Longitudinal connecting member with sleeved tensioned cords

ABSTRACT

A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having rigid sleeves for attachment to the bone anchors, at least one spacer engaging the bone anchors and the sleeves, and in some embodiments, an end elastic bumper. A flexible cord is initially slidingly received within the rigid sleeves, the spacer and the bumper. The spacer may include an optional inelastic inner liner, with at least one of the sleeves having an extension slidingly receivable within the liner. Some sleeves include apertures for receiving a closure top portion for locking the cord against the sleeve, or alternatively receiving a closure top that does not extend into the aperture, the slip or grip option provided by the aperture in each sleeve resulting in an overall connector with variable segmental stiffness.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/957,791 filed Aug. 2, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/802,849, filed Jun. 15, 2010, now abandoned,which claims the benefit of the following U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial Nos.: 61/268,708, filed Jun. 15, 2009; 61/270,754,filed Jul. 13, 2009; 61/336,911 filed Jan. 28, 2010; 61/395,564 filedMay 14, 2010; 61/395,752 filed May 17, 2010; and 61/396,390 filed May26, 2010. U.S. application Ser. No. 13/957,791 is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/221,442filed Aug. 1, 2008, now abandoned, and is also a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/148,465 filed Apr. 18, 2008, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,258,382. All of the aforementioned applications arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into the presentapplication for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to dynamic fixation assemblies for usein bone surgery, particularly spinal surgery, and in particular tolongitudinal connecting members and cooperating bone anchors orfasteners for such assemblies, the connecting members being attached toat least two bone anchors.

BACKGROUND

Historically, it has been common to fuse adjacent vertebrae that areplaced in fixed relation by the installation therealong of bone screwsor other bone anchors and cooperating longitudinal connecting members orother elongate members. Fusion results in the permanent immobilizationof one or more of the intervertebral joints. Because the anchoring ofbone screws, hooks and other types of anchors directly to a vertebra canresult in significant forces being placed on the vertebra, and suchforces may ultimately result in the loosening of the bone screw or otheranchor from the vertebra, fusion allows for the growth and developmentof a bone counterpart to the longitudinal connecting member that canmaintain the spine in the desired position even if the implantsultimately fail or are removed. Because fusion has been a desiredcomponent of spinal stabilization procedures, longitudinal connectingmembers have been designed that are of a material, size and shape tolargely resist bending (flexion, extension and lateral), torsion, shear,distraction and compression, and thus substantially immobilize theportion of the spine that is to be fused. Thus, longitudinal connectingmembers are typically uniform along an entire length thereof, andusually made from a single or integral piece of material having auniform diameter or width of a size to provide substantially inelasticrigid support in all planes.

An alternative to fusion, which immobilizes at least a portion of thespine, and the use of more rigid longitudinal connecting members orother rigid structure has been a “soft” or “dynamic” stabilizationapproach in which a flexible loop-, S-, C- or U-shaped member or acoil-like and/or a spring-like member is utilized as an elasticlongitudinal connecting member fixed between a pair of pedicle screws inan attempt to create, as much as possible, a normal loading patternbetween the vertebrae in flexion, extension, side bending, distraction,compression and torsion. Another type of soft or dynamic system known inthe art includes bone anchors connected by flexible cords or strands,typically made from a plastic material. Such a cord or strand may bethreaded through cannulated spacers that are disposed between adjacentbone anchors when such a cord or strand is implanted, tensioned andattached to the bone anchors. The spacers typically span the distancebetween bone anchors, providing limits on the bending movement of thecord or strand and thus strengthening and supporting the overall system.Shear forces are not well resisted by the typical cord and spacerstabilization systems. Such tensioned cord and spacer systems may alsocause facet joint compression during spinal movement, especiallyflexion.

The complex dynamic conditions associated with spinal movement createchallenges for the design of elongate elastic longitudinal connectingmembers that exhibit an adequate fatigue strength to providestabilization and protected motion of the spine, without fusion, andthat allow for some natural movement of the portion of the spine beingreinforced and supported by the elongate elastic or flexible connectingmember. A further challenge are situations in which a portion or lengthof the spine requires a more rigid stabilization, possibly includingfusion, while another portion or length may be better supported by amore dynamic system that allows for protective movement.

SUMMARY

Longitudinal connecting member assemblies according to the invention foruse between at least two bone anchors provide dynamic, protected motionof the spine and may be extended to provide additional dynamic sectionsor more rigid support along an adjacent length of the spine, withfusion, if desired. A dynamic longitudinal connecting member assemblyaccording to the invention has an inner segment or core made from a cordin the disclosed embodiment, the core being tensioned and fixed ateither end of the assembly. The core is received by at least one hard,inelastic segment or sleeve, the sleeve attachable to at least one boneanchor. In some embodiments, the core is received by at least a pair ofsuch sleeves, each sleeve attachable to a bone anchor. In someembodiments, the sleeve or sleeves slidingly receive the core. In otherembodiments, the sleeve or sleeves are either fixed or left unfixed tothe core by the surgeon, resulting in a connecting member havingvariable segmental stiffness along a length thereof. A variety ofembodiments according to the invention are possible. Additional sleevesmay be attached to additional bone anchors and cooperate with additionalcut-to-length spacers with or without cooperating liners to createlonger assemblies. Sleeves may also be extended to provide inelasticrod, bar or tube extensions, especially on one end. Spacers and optionalcooperating liners with different measures of rigidity may be connectedaccording to embodiments of the invention. Either rigid lengths or cordsmay be of greater or lesser lengths for attaching to one or a pluralityof bone anchors. In some embodiments, longitudinal connecting memberassemblies may be dynamically loaded before insertion, or after beingoperatively attached to at least the pair of bone anchors along apatient's spine by tensioning the inner core and at least partiallycompressing an end bumper and/or at least one spacer located between thebone anchors. Typically, the at least one spacer with or without aninner liner has some flexibility in bending, with the spacer/linercombination protecting and limiting flexing movement of the inner coreand providing shear resistance.

An object of the invention is to provide a lightweight, reduced volume,low profile assemblies for use with at least two bone anchors.Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide apparatus andmethods that are easy to use and especially adapted for the intended usethereof and wherein the apparatus are comparatively inexpensive to makeand suitable for use.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example,certain embodiments of this invention.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate variousobjects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a longitudinal connecting memberaccording to the invention having a tensioned cord and a pair ofsleeves, each sleeve shown cooperating with a polyaxial bone screw.

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of alongitudinal connecting member according to the invention shown with onemonoaxial screw clamped directly to an inner tensioned cord and onepolyaxial screw having a sleeve for slidable engagement with the cord.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connecting member of FIG. 1 shownwithout the polyaxial bone screws, the connecting member including aninner cord, first and second sleeves, a spacer/liner combination, anelastic bumper and a cord blocker with set screw, all shown prior totensioning.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the connecting member of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a reduced exploded view of the connecting member of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the first sleeve of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged top plan view of the first sleeve of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the first sleeve of FIG.5.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged side elevational view of the liner of thespacer/liner combination of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the liner of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged front elevational view of the liner of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the liner of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged side elevational view of the spacer of thespacer/liner combination of FIG. 2.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the spacer of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged front elevational view of the spacer of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the spacer of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 17-17of FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the second sleeve shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged top plan view of the second sleeve of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged front elevational view of the second sleeve ofFIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the second sleeve ofFIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 22-22of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged side elevational view of the bumper shown in FIG.2.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the bumper of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged front elevational view of the bumper of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 26-26of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged side elevational view of the blocker and setscrew shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the blocker of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged front elevational view of the blocker and setscrew of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 30-30of FIG. 28.

FIG. 301a is an enlarged perspective view of the blocker and set screwof FIG. 27 shown pre-assembled with the bumper of FIG. 23.

FIG. 31 is an enlarged and partial perspective view of the connector andbone screws of FIG. 1 further showing a first bone screw in explodedview, the bone screw including a bone screw shank, retainer, receiver,compression insert and closure top.

FIG. 32 is an enlarged and partial cross-sectional view taken along theline 32-32 of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is an enlarged perspective view of the receiver of the firstbone screw of FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is an enlarged side elevational view of the receiver of FIG. 33with portions broken away to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 35 is an enlarged and partial perspective exploded view of thereceiver and compression insert of the first bone screw of FIG. 31,shown in an initial stage of assembly.

FIG. 36 is an enlarged and partial perspective view of the receiver andcompression insert of FIG. 35 with portions broken away to show thedetail thereof and shown in a later stage of assembly.

FIG. 37 is an enlarged and partial cross-sectional view taken along theline 37-37 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of adynamic fixation longitudinal connecting member according to theinvention shown attached to three polyaxial bone screws.

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of the connecting member of FIG. 38shown without the polyaxial bone screws, the connecting member includingan inner cord, three sleeves, two spacer/liner combinations (shown inphantom), an elastic bumper (shown in phantom) and a cord blocker withset screw.

FIG. 40 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the sleeves of FIG.39.

FIG. 41 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the sleeve of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is an enlarged front elevational view of the sleeve of FIG. 40.

FIG. 43 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 43-43of FIG. 41.

FIG. 44 is an enlarged and partial cross-sectional view, similar to FIG.37, but showing an alternative assembly with sleeves having aperturesfor receiving closure top portions therein to grip the inner core.

FIG. 45 is an enlarged front elevational view of another alternativelongitudinal connecting member according to the invention shown attachedto a pair of polyaxial bone screws.

FIG. 46 is an enlarged perspective view of the connecting member of FIG.45.

FIG. 47 is an enlarged and exploded perspective view of the connectingmember of FIG. 45 shown without the polyaxial bone screws, theconnecting member including an inner cord, first and second sleeves, aspacer/liner combination, an elastic bumper and a cord blocker with setscrew.

FIG. 48 is an enlarged perspective view of the connecting member of FIG.47 shown with the components loosely connected along the inner cord andprior to tensioning.

FIG. 49 is an enlarged side elevational view of the first sleeve of FIG.48.

FIG. 50 is an enlarged perspective view of the first sleeve of FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is an enlarged front elevational view of the first sleeve ofFIG. 49.

FIG. 52 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the first sleeve of FIG.49.

FIG. 53 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 53-53of FIG. 49.

FIG. 54 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the spacer/linercombination of FIG. 47.

FIG. 55 is an enlarged perspective view of the spacer/liner combinationof FIG. 54 shown assembled.

FIG. 56 is an enlarged front elevational view of the spacer/linercombination of FIG. 55.

FIG. 57 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 57-57of FIG. 55.

FIG. 58 is an enlarged perspective view of the second sleeve shown inFIG. 47.

FIG. 59 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the second sleeve ofFIG. 58.

FIG. 60 is an enlarged front elevational view of the second sleeve ofFIG. 58.

FIG. 61 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 61-61of FIG. 58.

FIG. 62 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the bumper, blockerand set screw shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 63 is an enlarged front elevational view of the bumper of FIG. 62.

FIG. 64 is an enlarged side elevational view of the bumper, blocker andset screw of FIG. 62 shown assembled.

FIG. 65 is an enlarged perspective view of the bumper, blocker and setscrew of FIG. 64.

FIG. 66 is an enlarged front elevational view of the bumper, blocker andset screw of FIG. 64.

FIG. 67 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the bumper, blocker andset screw of FIG. 64.

FIG. 68 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 68-68of FIG. 66.

FIG. 69 is an enlarged and partial perspective view of the connector andbone screws of FIG. 45 further showing a bone screw in exploded view,the bone screw including a bone screw shank, retainer, receiver,compression insert and closure top.

FIG. 70 is an enlarged and partial and partially exploded sideelevational view of the connector and bone screws, similar to FIG. 69,with portions broken away to show the detail thereof and the retainerand shank shown in a stage of assembly.

FIG. 71 is an enlarged and partial cross-sectional view taken along theline 71-71 of FIG. 69.

FIG. 72 is an enlarged and partial front elevational view of theassembly of FIG. 45 with portions broken away to show the detailthereof.

FIG. 73 is an enlarged perspective view of the bone screw shank of FIG.69.

FIG. 74 is an enlarged top plan view of the shank of FIG. 73.

FIG. 75 is an enlarged and partial side elevational view of the shank ofFIG. 73 with portions broken away to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 76 is an enlarged perspective view of the retainer of FIG. 69.

FIG. 77 is a top plan view of the retainer of FIG. 69.

FIG. 78 is a bottom plan view of the retainer of FIG. 69.

FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 79-79 of FIG. 77.

FIG. 80 is an enlarged and partial front elevational view of the shankand retainer of FIG. 69 shown in an early stage of assembly.

FIG. 81 is an enlarged and partial side elevational view of an assembledshank, retainer and receiver of FIG. 69 with portions broken away toshow the detail thereof.

FIG. 82 is another enlarged and partial side elevational view of anassembled shank, retainer and receiver of FIG. 69 with portions brokenaway to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 83-83 of FIG. 82.

FIG. 84 is an enlarged side elevational view of the compression insertof FIG. 69.

FIG. 85 is an enlarged top plan view of the compression insert of FIG.69.

FIG. 86 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the compression insert ofFIG. 69.

FIG. 87 is an enlarged and partial perspective view of the receiver andcompression insert of FIG. 69 shown in an early stage of assembly.

FIG. 88 is an enlarged and partial perspective view of the receiver andcompression insert of FIG. 87 shown in a later stage of assembly andwith portions broken away to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 89 is an enlarged front elevational view of another embodiment of alongitudinal connecting member according to the invention shown attachedto three polyaxial bone screws.

FIG. 90 is a side elevational view of the connecting member of FIG. 89with portions broken away to show the detail thereof, including an innercord, three sleeves, two spacer/liner combinations, an elastic bumperand a cord blocker with set screw.

FIG. 91 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the sleeves of FIG.90.

FIG. 92 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the sleeve of FIG. 91.

FIG. 93 is an enlarged front elevational view of the sleeve of FIG. 91.

FIG. 94 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 94-94of FIG. 92.

FIG. 95 is a reduced perspective view of a kit showing various lengthsand configurations of sleeves according to the invention.

FIG. 96 is a perspective view of another longitudinal connecting memberaccording to the invention shown attached to five polyaxial bone screws.

FIG. 97 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting member of FIG.96 shown without the polyaxial bone screws, the connecting memberincluding an inner cord, first, second and third sleeves, first andsecond spacer/liner combinations, a third spacer, an elastic bumper, acord blocker with set screw, a rod/cord coupler and a threaded rod.

FIG. 98 is a front elevational view of one of the bone screws shown inFIG. 96 with portions broken away to show cooperation with theconnecting member of FIG. 96, also with portions broken away.

FIG. 99 is a front elevational view of the connector and bone screws ofFIG. 96 with portions broken away to show the detail thereof and showingthree different types of closure tops.

FIG. 100 is an enlarged perspective view of the first sleeve shown inFIG. 97.

FIG. 101 is a reduced side elevational view of the sleeve of FIG. 100.

FIG. 102 is a reduced top plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 100.

FIG. 103 is a reduced bottom plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 100.

FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 60-60 of FIG.100.

FIG. 105 is an enlarged perspective view of the second sleeve shown inFIG. 97.

FIG. 106 is an alternative perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 105.

FIG. 107 is a side elevational view of the sleeve of FIG. 105 withportions broken away to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 108 is an enlarged perspective view of the third sleeve shown inFIG. 97.

FIG. 109 is an alternative perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 108.

FIG. 110 is a side elevational view of the sleeve of FIG. 108 withportions broken away to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 111 is an enlarged perspective view of the rod/cord coupler of FIG.97.

FIG. 112 is a side elevational view of the rod/cord coupler of FIG. 111with portions broken away to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 113 is an enlarged perspective view the cord blocker of FIG. 97.

FIG. 114 is a side elevational view of the cord blocker of FIG. 113 withportions broken away to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 115 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of alongitudinal connecting member according to the invention shown attachedto five polyaxial bone screws.

FIG. 116 is an enlarged and partial side elevational view of theconnecting member of FIG. 115 with portions broken away to show thedetail thereof.

FIG. 117 is an enlarged front elevational view of one of the closuretops shown in FIG. 99.

FIG. 118 is a front elevational view of the closure top of FIG. 117 withportions broken away to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 119 is an enlarged front elevational view of another of the closuretops shown in FIG. 99.

FIG. 120 is a front elevational view of the closure top of FIG. 119 withportions broken away to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 121 is an enlarged front elevational view of another of the closuretops shown in FIG. 99.

FIG. 122 is a front elevational view of the closure top of FIG. 121 withportions broken away to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 123 is a perspective view of another sleeve according to theinvention shown mounted within a polyaxial bone screw.

FIG. 124 is an enlarged and partial exploded perspective view of theassembly and sleeve of FIG. 123.

FIG. 125 is an enlarged and partial front elevational view of theassembly and sleeve of FIG. 123.

FIG. 126 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 126-126 of FIG.125.

FIG. 127 is an enlarged top plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 123.

FIG. 128 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 123.

FIG. 129 is a front elevational view of the assembly of FIG. 123 withportions broken away to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 130 is a partial side elevational view of the bone screw of FIG.123 shown with an alternative lordotic sleeve of the invention.

FIG. 131 is an enlarged side elevational view of the sleeve of FIG. 130with portions broken away to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 132 is a perspective view of a set of sleeves as shown in FIGS.123-131.

FIG. 133 is a partially exploded perspective view of a longitudinalconnecting member including the assembly further including some of thesleeves of FIG. 132.

FIG. 134 is an enlarged front elevational view of one of the sleevesshown in FIG. 132 with portions broken away to show the detail thereof,the sleeve also including a cord fixer and a solid rod.

FIG. 135 is a top plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 134.

FIG. 136 is a bottom plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 134.

FIG. 137 is a perspective view of another alternative sleeve accordingto the invention.

FIG. 138 is a top plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 137.

FIG. 139 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 139-139 of FIG.138.

FIG. 140 is an exploded front elevational view of another sleeveaccording to the invention shown with a polyaxial bone screw and a pairof alternative closure tops.

FIG. 141 is a perspective view of a set of sleeves, one of which isshown in FIG. 140.

FIG. 142 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the sleeves of FIG.141 that is also the sleeve shown in FIG. 140.

FIG. 143 is a top plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 142.

FIG. 144 is a bottom plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 142.

FIG. 145 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 145-145 of FIG.143.

FIG. 146 is a partial perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 140 withportions broken away to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 147 is a partial front elevational view of the assembly of FIG.146.

FIG. 148 is a partial perspective view of the bone screw assembly ofFIG. 140 shown with one of the lordotic sleeve illustrated in FIG. 141.

FIG. 149 is a partial front elevational view of the assembly of FIG.148.

FIG. 150 is an enlarged and partial front elevational view, similar toFIG. 149 with portions broken away to show the detail thereof.

FIG. 151 is a top plan view of one of the sleeves illustrated in FIG.141 that further includes an elongate rod.

FIG. 152 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 152-152 of FIG.151.

FIG. 153 is a front elevational view of the sleeve of FIG. 151.

FIG. 154 is a reduced and partial and partially exploded sideelevational view of a plurality of bone screws of FIG. 140 shown withvarious sleeves similar to that shown in FIG. 140, the sleeves havingvarious lengths of tubal extensions thereon, and further shown with asleeve similar to the sleeve of FIG. 151 and also a cord,bumper/blocker, spacers and various closure tops.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. It is also noted that any reference tothe words top, bottom, up and down, and the like, in this applicationrefers to the alignment shown in the various drawings, as well as thenormal connotations applied to such devices, and is not intended torestrict positioning of the connecting member assemblies of theapplication and cooperating bone anchors in actual use.

With reference to FIGS. 1-44, the reference numeral 1 generallydesignates a non-fusion dynamic stabilization longitudinal connectingmember assembly according to the present invention. The connectingmember assembly 1 is elongate, having a substantially central axis A.With particular reference to FIGS. 1-4, the illustrated connectingmember assembly 1 generally includes at least first and second hard,inelastic sleeves 5 and 7 with an optional spacer/liner combination,generally 10, located therebetween. In particular, the spacer/linercombination 10 includes an outer spacer 12 and an inner liner 13. Theassembly 1 further includes an elastic bumper 16, a cord blocker 18 withcooperating set screw 19 and an inner core that in the presentembodiment is a cord 22. The cord 22 extends along the axis A andsuccessively through and within the sleeve 5, the spacer 12, the sleeve7 (and optional spacer/liner 10), the bumper 16 and the cord blocker 18as shown, for example, in FIG. 37. In FIGS. 1 and 37, the assembly 1 isshown attached to two polyaxial bone screws, generally 25 at the sleeves5 and 7. A portion of the sleeve 7 extends into and through thespacer/liner 10 and is in slidable relationship therewith. A portion ofthe cord blocker 18 extends into a bore of the bumper 16. As will bedescribed and explained in greater detail below, the bumper 16 istypically made from an elastomer while the outer spacer 12 is alsoelastomeric, but typically made from a material with a differentdurometer, being tougher and less compressible than the material of thebumper 16. Furthermore, the sleeves 5 and 7 and the spacer liner 13 aremade from a hard, non-elastic material, such as a metal or metal alloy,like cobalt chromium. The hard and stiff sliding sleeve 7 includes anextension that slides into the liner 13, providing a dynamic no- orlow-wear, sliding relationship between the sleeve 7 and the liner 13that is non-binding, and provides excellent shear resistance while atthe same time, the optional thin liner 13 cooperating with theelastomeric spacer 12 as well as the tensioned cord 22 providecontrolled bending, with the tensioned cord 22 and compressed bumper 16,performing well under tension and compression. Portions of the sleeves 5and 7 are disposed flush to side surfaces of the cooperating bone screws25 that abut against the spacer 12 or the bumper 16, such flush surfacegeometry results in stable, secure substantially full contact betweensuch outer elements of the assembly 1 and the cooperating bone screws.In certain embodiments of the invention, the sleeves 5 and 7 may furtherinclude respective openings 27 and 28 (shown in phantom in the drawingswith the exception of FIG. 44) sized and shaped to receive a portion ofa closure top therethrough for gripping the cord 22 when desired by thesurgeon. Such openings 27 and 28 and cooperating closure tops will bedescribed in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 100-110 and117118, for example. With particular reference to FIG. 44, when alongitudinal connecting member according to the invention includes twoor more sleeves 5′ and/or 7′ equipped with closure top receivingopenings, the openings 27 and 28 allow a surgeon to decide whether toallow the cord 22 to slide or slip with respect to the particular sleeve5′ or 7′ or to be gripped within such sleeve 5′ or 7′, advantageouslyproviding for variable segmental stiffness along a length of alongitudinal connecting member, and thus custom-made for the needs ofthe individual patient. When sleeves 5′ and 7′ having respectiveopenings 27 and 28 are utilized in a longitudinal connecting member, thebumper 16 and cord blocker 18/setscrew 19 combination is an optionalcomponent and thus may or may not be included in such a longitudinalconnecting member assembly as the cord 22 may be fixed in place at asleeve 5′ or 7′ located near an end of such assembly. It is noted thatthe sleeves 5 and 7 may also include tubular extensions of varyinglengths on one or both sides thereof (not shown), but as otherwise shownand described with respect to other sleeves of the invention, forexample, on FIG. 132. With reference to FIG. 1a , and as will bedescribed in greater detail below, it is noted that sleeves 5 and 5′ and7 and 7′ according to the invention may be used with or without a bumper16, but may cooperate with one or more blockers 18. As stated elsewhereherein, connecting members of the invention may or may not includebumpers 16 or blockers 18. Furthermore, a single sleeve 5, 5′, 7 or 7′(or other sleeves described herein) may be used in a longitudinalconnecting member according to the invention, cooperating with one ormore other bone anchors (mono- or polyaxial) that do not engage asleeve, but rather fixedly or slidingly cooperate directly with thetensioned cord (also shown in FIG. 1a and described in greater detailbelow).

With particular reference to FIGS. 5-8, the sleeve 5 further includes abody portion 30 generally sized and shaped for being received within thepolyaxial bone screw 25 and a tubular extension 32 sized and shaped toengage and hold the spacer 12 in fixed engagement with the sleeve 5. Theillustrated body portion 30 and tubular extension 32 are integral orotherwise fixed to one another. A through bore 34 extends through alower portion of the body portion 30 and centrally through the tubularextension 32. The bore 34 is sized and shaped to slidingly receive thecord 22 and when assembled with a remainder of the assembly 1 extendsalong the axis A. The body portion 30 includes an outer side and lowersurface 36 that is substantially U-shaped in cross-section, being sizedand shaped to fit within a U-shaped opening of the bone screw 25 as willbe described in greater detail below. A substantial portion of thesurface 36 terminates at an upper planar surface 38, with the U-shapedsurface extending on either side of the planar surface 38 into upwardlyextending arms or flanges 40 and 42. Inner surfaces 44 and 46 of therespective arms 40 and 42 form a discontinuous cylindrical wall sizedand shaped to receive a closure top of the bone screw 25 as will bedescribed in greater detail below. The planar surface 38 is also aseating surface for the bone screw closure top. As will be described ingreater detail below, the arms 40 and 42 and the U-shaped body 36 aresized and shaped to fit within the receiver of the bone screw 25 andresist rotation and other forces placed on the sleeve 5. However, it isnoted that in some embodiments, the sleeve 5 may be substantiallycylindrical in outer form and thus receivable within a variety of fixedor polyaxial screw heads, such as will be described below with respectto FIGS. 45-95. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-44, the arms 40and 42 that are received within the polyaxial screw 25 terminate atrespective upper planar surfaces 48 and 50. The arms 40 and 42 furtherinclude respective substantially planar outer or end surfaces 52 and 54,such surfaces being operatively flush with surfaces of the bone screw 25as will be described more fully below. The outer surface 52 is also anend surface of the sleeve 5, extending from the arm 40 top surface 48downwardly and around the bore 34 and running adjacent and perpendicularto the U-shaped outer surface 36. The surface 52 is adjacent to a flaredor beveled surface 53 that defines an opening of the bore 34. The outersurface 54 is adjacent to a tapered surface 55 that extends toward andterminates at a first cylindrical surface 56 of the tubular extension32. The outer cylindrical surface 56 terminates at a radially extendingannular wall 58 that is perpendicular thereto. The wall 58 terminates ata second substantially cylindrical surface 60 of greater outer diameterthan the cylindrical surface 56. The surface 60 terminates at an annularinwardly tapering beveled surface 62. The bevel 62 is adjacent to aplanar annular end surface 64 that is disposed perpendicular to thecylindrical surface 60. The surface 64 is adjacent to a flared orbeveled surface 65 that defines an opening of the bore 34. The surfaces56, 58 and 60 provide a push-on connective element for attachment toinner surfaces of the spacer 12 as will be described in greater detailbelow. The sleeve 5, as well as the sleeve 7, the liner 13 and the cordblocker 18 with set screw 19 may be made from a variety of inelasticmaterials, including, but not limited to metals, metal alloys, includingcobalt chromium, and inelastic plastics including, but not limited toplastic polymers such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK),ultra-high-molecular weight-polyethylene (UHMWP), polyurethanes andcomposites, including composites containing carbon fiber and layers ofdifferent materials.

With particular reference to FIGS. 4 and 13-17, the spacer 12 issubstantially cylindrical and tubular in form, having an outercylindrical surface 70 and an inner, graduated through bore, generally72. The spacer 12 has opposed substantially planar annular end surfaces74 and 76. The bore 72 is defined in part by a first inner cylindricalsurface 78 that begins at the surface 76 and extends substantially alonga length of the spacer 12. The surface 78 closely receives the innerliner 13 thereon. In fact, the spacer 12/liner 13 combination istypically assembled or manufactured with the liner 13 being fixed to thesurface 78 such that a surgeon receives the spacer 12/liner 13combination already assembled and ready for the surgeon to cut thespacer 12/liner 13 combination to a desired length near the end 76 aswill be described in greater detail below. Adjacent the end 74, thespacer 12 includes a flared or beveled opening surface 80 extending toan inner cylindrical surface 82 having an inner diameter smaller thanthe cylindrical surface 78. A third inner cylindrical surface 84 islocated between the surface 82 and the surface 78, the surface 84 havinga diameter larger than the surface 82 and smaller than the surface 78. Acurved transition surface 86 spans between the cylindrical surfaces 82and 84 and a curved transition surface 88 spans between the cylindricalsurfaces 84 and 78. Portions of the transition surfaces 86 and 88 aresubstantially perpendicular to the cylindrical surfaces 78, 82 and 84.As will be described in greater detail below, when the spacer 12/liner13 combination is pushed onto the tubular extension 32 of the sleeve 5during assembly, the flared surface 80 of the spacer engages the taperedsurface 55 of the sleeve, the inner cylindrical surface 82 engages theouter cylindrical surface 56 of the sleeve, the surface 86 of the spacerengages the surface 58 of the sleeve, and the inner cylindrical surface84 of the spacer engages the outer cylindrical surface 60 of the tubularextension 32. As best shown in FIG. 37, the close fit between the spacerinner cylindrical surfaces 82 and 84 and the tubular extension 32 of thesleeve 5, provide a secure, fixed positioning of the spacer 12 withrespect to the sleeve 5 along the axis A, prohibiting the spacer 12 frombeing pulled away from the sleeve surface 54 during spinal movement.However, some relative rotational movement between the spacer 12 and thesleeve 5 about the axis A is possible, allowing for some twist or turn,providing some relief for torsional stresses. The spacer 12 is typicallyelastic and made from a plastic, for example, a thermoplastic elastomermade from a polyurethane or polyurethane blend, such as a polycarbonateurethane.

With particular reference to FIGS. 9-12, the optional inelastic liner 13is substantially cylindrical and tubular in form, having an outercylindrical surface 90 and an inner cylindrical through bore 92. Theliner 13 has opposed annular end surfaces 94 and 96. As best shown inFIG. 37, the end surface 94 abuts against the annular surface 88 of thespacer 12 and the outer cylindrical surface 90 is adhered or otherwisefixed to the inner cylindrical surface 78 of the spacer 12. The endsurface 96 is disposed flush to the end surface 76 of the spacer 12,these surfaces being the cut-to-length side of the spacer 12/liner 13combination as will be described in greater detail below. As previouslystated, although shown as a separate part or element in the drawings,when used, the optional liner 13 is typically provided pre-assembledwithin the spacer 12. The liner 13 may be made from a variety ofnon-elastic materials, including metals, metal alloys and some plastics,with cobalt chromium being a preferred material. The inner cylindricalsurface 92 is sized and shaped to slidingly receive a tubular extensionof the inelastic sleeve 7 as will be described in greater detail below.

With particular reference to FIGS. 18-22, the sleeve 7 includes a bodyportion 99 generally sized and shaped for being received within thepolyaxial bone screw 25 and a tubular extension 100 sized and shaped tobe slidingly received in the spacer 12/liner 13 combination. Theillustrated body portion 99 and tubular extension 100 are integral orotherwise fixed to one another. More than one size of sleeve 7 istypically provided to the surgeon, the sleeves 7 differing only in thelength of the tubular extension 100, so as to appropriately match thesize of the patient's spine. A through bore 104 extends through a lowerportion of the body portion 99 and centrally through the tubularextension 100. The bore 104 is sized and shaped to slidingly receive thecord 22 and when assembled with a remainder of the assembly 1 extendsalong the axis A. The body portion 99 includes an outer side and lowersurface 106 that is substantially U-shaped in cross-section, being sizedand shaped to fit within a U-shaped opening of the bone screw 25 as willbe described in greater detail below. A substantial portion of thesurface 106 terminates at an upper planar surface 108, with the U-shapedsurface extending on either side of the planar surface 108 into upwardlyextending arms or flanges 110 and 112. Inner surfaces 114 and 116 of therespective arms 110 and 112 form a discontinuous cylindrical wall sizedand shaped to receive a closure top of the bone screw 25 as will bedescribed in greater detail below. The planar surface 108 is also aseating surface for the bone screw closure top. As will be described ingreater detail below, the arms 110 and 112 and the U-shaped body 106 aresized and shaped to fit within the receiver of the bone screw 25 andresist rotation and other forces placed on the sleeve 7. However, it isnoted that in some embodiments, the sleeve 7 may be substantiallycylindrical in outer form and thus receivable within a variety of fixedor polyaxial screw heads. In the illustrated embodiment, the arms 110and 112 that are received within the polyaxial screw 25 terminate atrespective upper planar surfaces 118 and 120. The arms 110 and 112further include respective substantially planar outer or end surfaces122 and 124, such surfaces being operatively flush with side surfaces ofthe bone screw 25 as will be described more fully below. The outersurface 124 is also an end surface of the sleeve 7, extending from thearm 112 top surface 120 downwardly and around the bore 104 and runningadjacent and perpendicular to the U-shaped outer surface 106. Thesurface 124 is adjacent to a flared or beveled surface 125 that definesan opening of the bore 104. The outer surface 122 is adjacent to atapered surface 126 that extends toward and terminates at a cylindricalsurface 127 of the tubular extension 100. The outer cylindrical surface127 extends toward an annular planar end surface 128 that isperpendicular thereto. A beveled surface 130 spans between thecylindrical surface 127 and the end surface 128. The end surface 128terminates at an inner flared surface 131, the surface 131 defining anopening of the bore 104. Upon assembly with the spacer 12/liner 13combination, the cylindrical surface 127 is in slidable relationshipwith the inner surface of the liner 13 defining the through-bore 92. Asstated above, a desirable material for both the liner 13 and the tubularextension 100 is cobalt chromium. Furthermore, in some embodiments ofthe invention, in order to have low or no wear debris, the liner 13inner surface and the outer surface 127 of the tubular extension 100 maybe coated with an ultra thin, ultra hard, ultra slick and ultra smoothcoating, such as may be obtained from ion bonding techniques and/orother gas or chemical treatments. It is further noted that innersurfaces of the sleeves 5 and 7 that receive the cord 22 may also belikewise coated to provide a slick, low to no wear debris interface withthe cord 22.

With particular reference to FIGS. 4 and 23-26, the bumper 16 issubstantially cylindrical and tubular in form, having an outercylindrical surface 140 and an inner, graduated through bore, generally142. The bumper 16 has opposed substantially planar annular end surfaces144 and 146. The bore 142 is defined in part by a first innercylindrical surface 148 that begins at the surface 146. The surface 148closely receives a tubular extension of the cord blocker 18 as will bedescribed in greater detail below. Adjacent the end 144, the bumper 16includes a flared or beveled opening surface 150 extending to an innercylindrical surface 152 having an inner diameter smaller than a diameterof the inner cylindrical surface 148. A curved transition surface 156spans between the cylindrical surfaces 152 and 148. A substantialportion of the surface 156 is disposed perpendicular to the cylindricalsurfaces 152 and 148. The bumper 16 is elastic and may be made from avariety of compressible and stretchable materials, including, but notlimited to natural or synthetic elastomers such as polyisoprene (naturalrubber), and synthetic polymers, copolymers, and thermoplasticelastomers, for example, polyurethane elastomers such aspolycarbonate-urethane elastomers. In order to have low or no weardebris, the bumper 16 inner surface may also be coated with an ultrathin, ultra hard, ultra slick and ultra smooth coating, such as may beobtained from ion bonding techniques and/or other gas or chemicaltreatments.

With particular reference to FIGS. 27-30, the cord blocker 18 andcooperating set screw 19 are shown. The blocker 18 includes a bodyportion 159 and a tubular extension 160 sized and shaped to be slidinglyreceived in the bumper 16 at the inner cylindrical surface 148. Theillustrated body portion 159 and tubular extension 160 are integral orotherwise fixed to one another. A through bore 164 extends through alower portion of the body portion 159 and centrally through the tubularextension 160. The bore 164 is sized and shaped to receive the cord 22and when assembled with a remainder of the assembly 1 extends along theaxis A. The body portion 159 includes an outer side and lower surface166 that is substantially U-shaped in cross-section, however, thesurface 166 may have a variety of outer geometries, includingcylindrical or of other curved or polygonal cross-sections. The surface166 terminates at an upper planar surface 168. Formed in the surface 168is a threaded bore 170 sized and shaped to receive and threadably matewith the set screw 19. The threaded bore 170 communicates with thethrough bore 164 and is substantially perpendicular thereto. Near theintersection of the bore 164 and the threaded bore 170, a surface 172partially defining the bore 164 includes a depression 174, sized andshaped for receiving the cord 22 therein when the set screw 19 engagesthe cord 22 as will be described in greater detail below. The blocker 18further includes opposed substantially planar end surfaces 176 and 178.The end surface 176 is also the end surface of the tubular extension 160that has an outer cylindrical surface 180. The end surface 178 is alsothe end surface of the body 159. The body further includes asubstantially annular planar end surface 182 adjacent the tubularextension 160. In operation, the end surface 146 of the bumper 16 abutsagainst the end surface 182.

The set screw 19 includes a threaded body 184 having a concave or domedbottom surface 186 and a substantially cylindrical head 188. Formed inthe cylindrical head 188 is an inner drive 189 sized and shaped toreceive a driving tool for rotating and advancing the set screw 19 intothe blocker 18 at the threaded bore 170. Specifically, the threaded body184 mates under rotation with the threaded bore 170. The set screw 19and blocker 18 are sized and shaped to have a limited travel or stopsuch that when the set screw 19 is rotated into the bore 170 and extendsinto the bore 164, the set screw 19 locks and cannot be advanced anyfurther at a desired location wherein the cord 22 is frictionally heldfirmly and snugly in place between the domed bottom 186 and the concaveor depressed surface 174 without damaging or destroying the cord 22.

With reference to FIG. 31a , it is noted that the blocker 18 and setscrew 19 combination is typically provided with the bumper 16pre-attached thereto and handled as a unit assembly. Thus, prior tobeing received by the surgeon, the bumper 16 is wedged and in some casesadhered or otherwise fixed onto the tubular extension 160 at thefactory, with the surface 148 of the bumper frictionally engaging thesurface 180 of the blocker 18 and the surface 146 of the bumper 16abutting against and fixed to the surface 182 of the blocker 18.

With particular reference to FIG. 4, the illustrated cord 22 includes anelongate body 190 with an enlarged end 192 and an opposed cut-to-lengthend 194. The enlarged end 192 may be created by heating the cord 22 tomelt the cord and create the enlarged end 192 that abuts against thesurface 52 of the sleeve 5 and is too large to enter the bore 34.Alternatively an outer pin or knob (not shown) may be fixed to the cord22. In other embodiments of the invention a blocker and set screwcombination, similar to the blocker 18 and set screw 19 may be used tofix the cord 22 outside of the sleeve 5 and thus allow the cord 22 to bein slidable relationship with the sleeve 5. The cord 22 may be made froma variety of materials, including polyester or other plastic fibers,strands or threads, such as polyethylene-terephthalate. A cord accordingto the invention typically does not illustrate elastic properties, suchas any significant additional axial distraction and lengthening afterthe assembly 1 is operatively assembled and the cord is tensioned.However, it is foreseen that in some embodiments, the cord 22 may bemade of an elastic or semi-elastic material, such as a plastic or rubber(natural or synthetic) having at least some elastic properties, allowingfor some further distraction of the assembly 1 during operation thereof.

With particular reference to FIGS. 31-37 the reference number 25generally represents a polyaxial bone screw apparatus or assembly inaccordance with the present invention operably utilized by implantationinto a vertebra (not shown) and in conjunction with the connectingmember assembly 1 of the invention. The bone anchor assembly 25generally includes a shank 206, a receiver 207, a retainer structure orring 208, a lower pressure insert 209 and a closure structure or top210.

The shank 206 is elongate and has an upper body portion 214 integralwith a lower body portion 215, ending in a tip 216. The shank body 215has a helically wound bone implantable thread 217 extending from nearthe tip 216 to near the top 218 of the lower body 215 and extendingradially outward therefrom. During use, the body 215 utilizing thethread 217 is implanted into a vertebra. The shank 206 has an elongatedaxis of rotation generally identified by the reference letter A′.

Axially extending outward and upward from the shank body 215 is a neck220, typically of reduced radius as compared to the adjacent top 218 ofthe body 215. Further extending axially and outwardly from the neck 220is the shank upper portion 214 operably providing a connective orcapture structure free from the bone or vertebra for joining with thereceiver 207. The shank upper portion or capture structure 214 has aradially outer cylindrical surface 222. The cylindrical surface 222 hasat least one non-helically wound and radially outward extendingprojection or spline 224 that extends beyond the surface 222. In theembodiment shown, the shank upper portion 214 has three such splines224. It is noted that bone anchors of the invention have at least oneand up to a plurality of splines 224. Preferably, the bone anchorincludes from one to four splines. The splines 224 are located near andextend outwardly from an upper edge 225 of the shank upper portioncylindrical surface 222 and are equally circumferentially centered andspaced thereabout so as to be centered at approximately 120 degreeintervals relative to each other. Each of the splines 224 has asubstantially triangular shaped profile and a front wedge forming face227 that slopes downwardly and radially inwardly from near the upperedge 225. Adjacent the upper edge 225 is a centrally located, axiallyextending and upwardly directed convex annular projection or dome-shapedupper end 229 that is centrally radiused. Each of the splines 224includes an upper surface 230 that is adjacent to and extends from theupper end surface 229, having the same radius as the upper end surface229. Also formed in the shank upper portion 214 within an annular rim228 of the end surface 229 is a tool engagement aperture 231 forengagement by a tool driving head (not shown) that is sized and shapedto fit into the aperture for both driving and rotating the shank 206into a vertebra. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 231 isstar-shaped and runs parallel to the axis A′. It is foreseen thatvarious sizes, shapes and numbers of apertures, slots or the like may beutilized in accordance with the invention for engaging a driving tool ofsuitable and similar mating shape. The illustrated shank 206 iscannulated, having a through bore extending an entire length of theshank 206 along the axis A′. The bore is defined by an inner cylindricalwall of the shank 206 and has a circular opening at the shank tip 206and an upper opening communicating with the internal drive feature 231.The bore provides a passage through the shank 206 interior for a lengthof wire (not shown) inserted into the vertebra (not shown) prior to theinsertion of the shank body 215, the wire providing a guide forinsertion of the shank body 215 into the vertebra (not shown).

To provide a biologically active interface with the bone, the threadedshank body 215 may be coated, cannulated, perforated, made porous orotherwise treated. The treatment may include, but is not limited to aplasma spray coating or other type of coating of a metal or, forexample, a calcium phosphate; or a roughening, perforation orindentation in the shank surface, such as by sputtering, sand blastingor acid etching, that allows for bony ingrowth or ongrowth. Certainmetal coatings act as a scaffold for bone ingrowth. Bio-ceramic calciumphosphate coatings include, but are not limited to: alpha-tri-calciumphosphate and beta-tri-calcium phosphate (Ca₃(PO₄)₂, tetra-calciumphosphate (Ca₄P₂O₉), amorphous calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite(Ca_(lo)(PO₄)₆(OH)₂). Coating with hydroxyapatite, for example, isdesirable as hydroxyapatite is chemically similar to bone with respectto mineral content and has been identified as being bioactive and thusnot only supportive of bone ingrowth, but actively taking part in bonebonding.

The receiver 207 has a generally squared-off U-shaped appearance with apartially cylindrical inner profile and a substantially faceted outerprofile; however, the outer profile could also include other geometricalconfigurations. Side surfaces of the receiver 207 that engage the spacer12 and/or the bumper 16 are preferably planar. A receiver axis ofrotation B′ is aligned with the axis of rotation A′ of the shank 206during assembly of the receiver 207 with the shank 206 and the retainer208. After the receiver 207 is pivotally connected to the shank 206, andsuch assembly is implanted in a vertebra (not shown), the axis B′ istypically disposed at an angle with respect to the axis A′ of the shank206.

The receiver 207 has a base 233 with a pair of upstanding arms 234 and235 forming a U-shaped channel 238 between the arms 234 and 235 having alower seat 239. Opposed planar side surfaces 236 and 237 define thechannel 238 and extend upwardly from the base 233 and to top surfaces240 of the arms. The insert 209 that is disposed within the receiver 207is sized and shaped to closely receive the sleeve 5 or the sleeve 7 atthe respective U-shaped surfaces 36 and 106. When assembled, the sleevearms 40 and 42 and 110 and 112 lie flush with the side surfaces 236 and237, advantageously providing a full support for the spacer 12 and/orthe bumper 16 at abutting ends thereof. Each of the arms 234 and 235 hasan interior surface 241 that includes a partial helically wound guideand advancement structure 242. In the illustrated embodiment, the guideand advancement structure 242 is a partial helically wound flangeformthat mates under rotation with a similar structure on the closure top210, as described below. However, it is foreseen that the guide andadvancement structure 242 could alternatively be a buttress thread, areverse angle thread or other thread like or non-thread like helicallywound advancement structures for operably guiding under rotation andadvancing the closure top between the arms 234 and 235. Also,non-helically wound closure tops or caps are foreseen. Tool engagingapertures 244 are formed on the outsides of the arms 234 and 235 forholding the receiver 207 during certain assembly steps and/orimplantation of the assembly and also for access to a thin deformablewall 245 during assembly with the pressure insert 209.

A chamber or cavity 247 is located within the receiver base 233 thatopens upwardly into the U-shaped channel 238. The cavity 247 includes apartial spherical shaped surface 248, at least a portion of which formsa partial internal hemispherical seat for the retainer 208, as isdescribed further below. A lower neck 250 defining a lower bore furthercommunicates between the cavity 247 and the bottom exterior of the base233 and is coaxial with the rotational axis B′ of the receiver 207. Theneck 250 at least partially defines a restriction having a radius whichis smaller than the radius of the retainer 208, so as to form arestrictive constriction at the location of the neck 250 relative to theretainer 208 to prevent the retainer 208 from passing between the cavity247 and the lower exterior of the receiver 207. In an upper portion ofthe cavity 247, is a substantially cylindrical surface 252 that includesa run-out surface 253 located directly beneath the guide and advancementstructure 242. With particular reference to FIGS. 33-36, formed in thesurface 253 under the structure 242 of both of the arms 234 and 235 is arecess 254 partially defined by a stop or abutment wall 255. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, the cooperating compression insert209 includes a protruding structure 294 on each arm thereof that abutsagainst the respective wall 255 of each of the receiver arms, providinga centering stop when the insert 209 is rotated into place as will bedescribed below.

The retainer 208 is substantially ring-shaped and has an operationalcentral axis which is the same as the elongate axis A′ associated withthe shank 206, but when the retainer 208 is separated from the shank206, the axis of rotation is identified as axis C′. The retainer 208 hasa central bore 257 that passes entirely through the retainer 208 from atop surface 258 to a bottom surface 259 thereof. The bore 257 is sizedand shaped to fit snugly, but slidably over the shank capture structurecylindrical surface 222 in such a manner as to allow sliding axialmovement therebetween under certain conditions, as described below.Three axially aligned channels 260 are spaced from the axis C′ andextend radially outward from the bore 257 and into the wall of theretainer 208 so as to form three top to bottom grooves or slots therein.Backs of the channels 260 are the same radial distance from the axis C′as the distance the outermost portion of the splines 224 extend from theaxis A′ of the shank 206. The channels 260 are also circumferentiallyangularly spaced equivalent to and have a width that corresponds withthe splines 224. In this manner, the shank upper portion 214 can beuploaded into the retainer 208 by axially sliding the shank upperportion 214 through the retainer 208 central bore 257 whenever thesplines 224 are aligned with the channels 260 or are in an alignedconfiguration. The details of assembly and subsequent cooperationbetween the shank 206, the retainer 208 and the receiver 207 aresimilarly described in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,716,214 issued Apr.6, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein.

The retainer 208 also has three capture partial slots, receivers orrecesses 262 which extend radially outward from the upper part of thebore 257 and that do not extend the entire length from top to bottom ofthe retainer 208, but rather only open on the top surface 258 and extendpartly along the height of the retainer 208 thereof. The recesses 262are sized and positioned and shaped to receive the splines 224 fromabove when the splines 224 are in a non-aligned configuration relativeto the channels 260. That is, each of the recesses 262 has a width thatapproximates the width of the splines 224 and has a mating wedgeengaging surface 264 that is shaped similar to the spline wedge formingfaces 227, so that the splines 224 can be slidably received into therecesses 262 from above by axially translating or moving the shank 206downward relative to the retainer ring 208 when the splines 224 arepositioned above the recesses 262 in a recess aligned configuration. Insome embodiments, the wedge engaging faces 264 slope slightly greaterthan the wedge forming faces 227 on the splines 224 so that there isadditional outward wedging that takes place when the splines 224 areurged downwardly into the recesses 262.

In this manner the shank upper portion 214 can be uploaded or pushedupwardly through the retainer central bore 257 so as to clear the top258 of the retainer ring 208, rotated approximately 60 degrees and thendownloaded or brought downwardly so that the splines 224 become locatedand captured in the recesses 262. Once the splines 224 are seated in therecesses 262 the shank 206 cannot move further axially downward relativeto the retainer ring 208. Preferably, the retainer 208 is constructed ofa metal or other material having sufficient resilience and elasticity asto allow the retainer 208 to radially expand slightly outward bydownward pressure of the splines 224 on the recesses 262 under pressurefrom structure above, as will be discussed further below. This producesa slight outward radial expansion in the retainer ring 208 at thelocation of the recesses 262.

The retainer 208 has a radially outer partial hemispherical shapedsurface 265 sized and shaped to mate with the partial spherical shapedsurface 248 and having a radius approximately equal to a radiusassociated with the surface 248. The retainer 208 radius issubstantially larger than the radius associated with the annular curvedsurface 229 of the shank upper portion 214 and also substantially largerthan the radius of the receiver neck 250.

The lower compression or pressure insert 209 includes a substantiallycylindrical body 270 integral with a pair of upstanding arms 272. Thebody 270 and arms 272 form a generally U-shaped, open, through-channel274 having a lower seat 276 sized and shaped to closely, snugly engagethe sleeve 5 or the sleeve 7. The arms 272 disposed on either side ofthe channel 274 extend outwardly from the body 270. The arms 272 aresized and configured for placement near the run-out 253 below the guideand advancement structure 242 at the receiver inner arms 234 and 235.Each of the arms 272 includes a top surface 278 ultimately locateddirectly beneath the guide and advancement structure 242, but are notdirectly engaged by the closure top 210. However, in some embodiments ofthe bone screw for use with other longitudinal connecting members, theclosure top may directly engage the top surfaces 278 for locking thepolyaxial mechanism of the assembly 25. Therefore, the assembly 1 may beused with a wide variety of longitudinal connecting members, includingthe sleeves 5 and 7 or rods or other connecting members that engage theclosure top 210 and are locked into position by such closure top 210 aswell as rods of smaller diameter or, for example cords that are capturedby the closure top 210, but are otherwise movable within the receiver207 and are thus in slidable or spaced relation with the closure top210. Each arm 272 further includes a partially cylindrical outer surface280 sized and shaped to fit within the receiver 207 at the guide andadvancement structure 242 run-out relief 253. The cylindrical surfaces280 are disposed substantially perpendicular to the respective adjacenttop surfaces 278. In some embodiments of the invention recesses areformed near and/or at the top surfaces 278 and the surfaces that formthe channel 274 to provide relief for material flow of the longitudinalconnecting member, when, for example, the connector is made from adeformable plastic. For example, a recessed surface or groove may bedirected downwardly and inwardly toward the channel 274. Each of theouter surfaces 280 further includes a recess 282 sized and shaped toreceive holding tabs or crimped material from the receiver 207. Forexample, the thin walls 245 of the receiver 207 are pressed into therecesses 282 to prevent counter-clockwise rotation of the insert 209about the axis B′ with respect to the receiver 207. In other embodimentsof the invention, the receiver 207 may be equipped with spring tabs thatsnap into the recesses 282 to hold the insert 209 in place with respectto counterclockwise rotation. The recesses 282 are preferably oval orelongate such that some desirable upward and downward movement of theinsert 209 along the axis B′ of the receiver 207 is not prohibited. Aspreviously described herein the compression insert 209 arms each includethe protruding structure 294 located on opposite sides of the arms suchthat when the insert 209 is dropped down into the receiver 207 as shownby the arrow M in FIG. 35 and then rotated into place in a clockwisedirection as shown by the arrow N in FIG. 36, the structure 294 abutsthe wall 255 of the recessed area 254 when the insert is in a desiredcentered location with the apertures 282 in alignment with the apertures244.

The compression insert 209 further includes an inner cylindrical surface284 that forms a through bore sized and shaped to receive a driving tool(not shown) therethrough that engages the shank drive feature 231 whenthe shank body 215 is driven into bone. The inner surface 284 runsbetween the seating surface 276 and an inner curved, annular, radiusedor semi-spherical surface 286. The surface 286 is sized and shaped toslidingly and pivotally mate with and ultimately fix against the annulardomed surface 229 of the shank upper portion 214. Thus, a radius of thesurface 286 is the same or substantially similar to the radius of thesurface 229. The surface 286 may include a roughening or surface finishto aid in frictional contact between the surface 286 and the surface229, once a desired angle of articulation of the shank 206 with respectto the receiver 207 is reached. Adjacent to the inner surface 286 is abottom rim or edge 288. Adjacent to the outer cylindrical surface 280 ofthe arms 272 is a substantially frusto-conical surface 290 that extendsinwardly toward the lower rim 88. The surface 290 includes portions ofthe arms 272 as well as partially defining the pressure insert body 270.

The pressure inset body 270 located between the arms 272 has an outerdiameter slightly smaller than a diameter between crests of the guideand advancement structure 242 of the receiver 207 allowing for toploading of the compression insert 209 into the receiver 207 through theU-shaped channel 238, with the arms 272 being located between the arms234 and 235 during insertion of the insert 209 into the receiver 207(see FIG. 35). As explained above, once located between the guide andadvancement structure 242 and the shank upper portion 214, the insert209 is rotated into place about the axis B′ until the arms 272 aredirectly below the guide and advancement structure 242 at or near therun-out 253 and the structure 294 abuts against the wall 255 of therecess 254. After the insert 209 is rotated into such position, a tool(not shown) may be inserted into the receiver apertures 244 to press thethin receiver walls 245 into the insert recesses 282. The lowercompression insert 209 is sized such that the insert 209 is ultimatelyreceived within the cylindrical surface 252 of the receiver 207 belowthe guide and advancement structure 242. The receiver 207 fully receivesthe lower compression insert 209 and blocks the structure 209 fromspreading or splaying in any direction. It is noted that assembly of theshank 206 with the retainer 208 within the receiver 207, followed byinsertion of the lower compression insert 209 into the receiver 207 areassembly steps typically performed at the factory, advantageouslyproviding a surgeon with a polyaxial bone screw with the lower insert209 already held in alignment with the receiver 207 and thus ready forinsertion into a vertebra.

The compression or pressure insert 209 ultimately seats on the shankupper portion 214 and is disposed substantially in the upper cylindricalportion 252 of the cavity 247, with the receiver deformable walls 245engaging the insert 209 at the recesses 282, thereby cooperating withthe walls 255 of the recesses 254 to hold the insert 207 in desiredalignment.

The closure structure or closure top 210 can be any of a variety ofdifferent types of closure structures for use in conjunction with thepresent invention with suitable mating structure on the upstanding arms234 and 235. In the embodiment shown, the closure top 210 is rotatablyreceived between the spaced arms 234 and 235 of the receiver 207. Theillustrated closure structure 210 is substantially cylindrical andincludes an outer helically wound guide and advancement structure 295 inthe form of a flange form that operably joins with the guide andadvancement structure 242 of the receiver 207. The flange form utilizedin accordance with the present invention may take a variety of forms,including those described in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,689, whichis incorporated herein by reference. It is also foreseen that accordingto the invention the closure structure guide and advancement structurecould alternatively be a buttress thread, a square thread, a reverseangle thread or other thread like or non-thread like helically woundadvancement structure for operably guiding under rotation and advancingthe closure structure 210 downward between the arms 234 and 235 andhaving such a nature as to resist splaying of the arms 234 and 235 whenthe closure structure 210 is advanced into the channel 238. Theillustrated closure structure 210 also includes a top surface 296 withan internal drive 297 in the form of an aperture that is illustrated asa star-shaped internal drive, but may be, for example, a hex-shapeddrive or other internal drives, including, but not limited to slotted,tri-wing, spanner, two or more apertures of various shapes, and thelike. A driving tool (not shown) sized and shaped for engagement withthe internal drive 297 is used for both rotatable engagement and, ifneeded, disengagement of the closure 210 from the receiver arms 234 and235. It is also foreseen that the closure structure 210 mayalternatively include a break-off head designed to allow such a head tobreak from a base of the closure at a preselected torque, for example,70 to 140 inch pounds. Such a closure structure would also include abase having an internal drive to be used for closure removal. A bottomsurface 298 of the closure top 210 is planar and is sized and shaped tomate with the sleeve 5 or the sleeve 7 at respective planar surfaces 38and 108.

The closure top 210 may further include a cannulation through boreextending along a central axis thereof and through a surface of thedrive 297 and the bottom surface 298. Such a through bore provides apassage through the closure 210 interior for a length of wire (notshown) inserted therein to provide a guide for insertion of the closuretop into the receiver arms 234 and 235.

When the polyaxial bone screw assembly 201 is placed in use inaccordance with the invention the retainer 208 is normally first slidthrough the receiver U-shaped channel 238 and into and seated in thereceiver cavity 247. Thereafter, the retainer 208 is rotated 90 degreesso as to be coaxial with the receiver 207 and so that the retainer outersurface 265 snugly, but slidably mates with the receiver interiorspherical shaped surface 248. The retainer 208 in the receiver 207 isthen slid over the shank upper portion 214 so that the splines 224 slideupwardly through and above respective channels 260 so that the splines224 are then located, at least partially, in the U-shaped channel 238and chamber 247 above the retainer ring 208. The shank 206 is thenrotated 60 degrees relative to the receiver about the axis A′ and thetranslational direction of the shank 206 is reversed so that it goesdownwardly or axially with respect to the receiver 207, and the splines224 enter the recesses 262. At this point there is no substantialoutward or downward pressure on the retainer 208 and so the retainer 208is easily rotatable along with the shank 206 within the chamber 247 andsuch rotation is of a ball and socket type wherein the angle of rotationis only restricted by engagement of the neck 220 with the neck 250 ofthe receiver 207.

Then, the insert 209 is inserted into the channel 238 with the arms 272aligned in the channel 238 between the guide and advancement structures242. The insert 209 is then moved downwardly in the channel 238 andtoward the cavity 247. With reference to FIGS. 35-36, once the arms 272are located generally below the guide and advancement structure 242 andadjacent the run-out relief 253, the insert 209 is rotated 90 degrees ina clockwise direction about the axis B′ of the receiver 207. The arms272 fit within the cylindrical walls 252 above the cavity 247. Once thestructures 294 abut against the walls 255, the arms 272 are desirablylocated directly below the guide and advancement structures 242,rotation is ceased and a tool (not shown) is used to press the thinwalls 245 of the receiver 207 into the recesses 282 of the insert 209.The insert 209 is now locked into place inside the receiver 207 with theguide and advancement structures 242 prohibiting upward movement of theinsert out of the channel 238.

As illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 37, the insert 209 seats on the shankupper portion 214 with the surface 286 in sliding engagement with thesurface 229. The run-out or relief 253 is sized and shaped to allow forsome upward and downward movement of the insert 209 toward and away fromthe shank upper portion 214 such that the shank 206 is freely pivotablewith respect to the receiver 207 until the closure structure 210 presseson the sleeve 5 or the sleeve 7 that in turn presses on the insert 209that in turn presses upon the upper portion 214 into locking frictionalengagement with the receiver 207 at the surface 248.

The resulting assembly is then normally screwed into a bone, such asvertebra, by rotation of the shank 206 using a suitable driving tool(not shown) that operably drives and rotates the shank 206 by engagementthereof at the internal drive 231. Normally, the receiver 207, retainer208 and insert 209 are assembled on the shank 206 before placing theshank 206 in the vertebra, but in certain circumstances, the shank 206can be first implanted with the capture structure 214 extending proud toallow assembly and then the shank 206 can be further driven into thevertebra.

The assembly 1 may be assembled as follows: First, after the two bonescrews 25 are implanted, the distance between the screws is measured.Thereafter, the spacer/liner combination 10 is cut to a desired lengthbased upon the measurement made between the bone screws. As describedabove, the spacer 12 and the liner 13 that form the spacer/linercombination 10 are typically assembled at the factory, with the liner 13being fixed to the spacer 12 along the spacer inner cylindrical surface72. The spacer/liner combination 10 is cut at the spacer end 76 (that isalso the liner end 96) that is opposite the graduated end of the spacer12. A tool (not shown), similar to a pipe cutter is usually used torotate and cut the spacer/liner combination 10 to the desired length.Also at this time, in view of the resulting spacer/liner 10 length, asleeve 7 of a desired size is chosen. Because the sleeve 7 is made froma hard material, typically a metal or metal alloy, it is not practicalto cut the tube portion 100 of the sleeve 7 to a desired length duringthe surgical procedure. Therefore, a variety of sleeves 7 are typicallyprovided to end users having at least three different tube portion 100lengths.

With particular reference to FIG. 4, the sleeve 5 is then slid onto thecord 22 at the cord end 194, with the end 194 being inserted into thethrough bore 34 at the sleeve end 52 and out the sleeve end 64. Thesleeve 5 is then fed along the cord 22 until the sleeve end 52 isadjacent the enlarged cord end 192. It is noted that the cord 22 istypically much longer than shown in the drawing figures and then cut tolength near the end 194 after being fully assembled with the remainingelements of the assembly 1, tensioned and fixed to the blocker 18. Afterthe sleeve 5 is in place on the cord 22, the spacer/liner combination 10(or optionally, the spacer without a liner) is loaded with the cord end194 being inserted into the flared opening 80 at the end 74, the innercylindrical surface 82, the inner cylindrical surface 84 and thereafter,the liner bore 92 and out the liner end 96 and spacer end 76. Thespacer/liner combination 10 is slid along the cord 22 until the end 74contacts the tubular extension 32 of the sleeve 5. A tensioning device(not shown) is typically needed to push and/or pull the spacer 12against and over portions of the tubular extension 32 of the sleeve 5until the inner cylindrical surface 82 of the spacer 12 fully engagesthe outer cylindrical surface 56 of the tubular extension 32 and theinner cylindrical surface 84 of the spacer 12 fully engages the outercylindrical surface 60 of the tubular extension 32. At this time thesleeve end 64 is abutting against the spacer end surface 74 and in fixedrelation thereto. However, both the spacer/liner combination 10 and thenow attached sleeve 5 are in sliding relationship with the cord 22. Itmay be necessary to warm the spacer 12 prior to assembly with thetubular extension 32 to allow for stretching and expansion of the spacer12 graduated inner surface (surfaces 80, 82, 84, and 86) to fit aboutthe knob defined by the tubular extension annular wall 58 andcylindrical surface 60. The sleeve 7 is then loaded with the cord end194 being inserted into the through bore 104 at the opening surface 131near the end 128 and out the opening 125 at the end surface 124. Thesleeve 7 is then slid along the cord 22 with the tubular extension 100sliding into the liner bore 92. Thereafter, the blocker 18 withpre-attached bumper 16 and loosely mated set screw 19 (as shown in FIG.30a ) is loaded onto the cord 22 with the cord end 194 being insertedinto the bumper bore 152 at the opening 150 located near the bumper end144 and exiting the blocker bore opening near the end surface 178. Thebumper 16 and attached blocker 18 are slid along the cord 22 until thebumper end 144 abuts against the sleeve 7 end surface 124. The resultingassembly, similar to what is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is now ready forplacement in and between the implanted bone screws 25, with the setscrew 19 engaged with the cord 22 enough to prevent the elements fromslipping off of the cord 22. Unlike the illustrations of FIGS. 2 and 3,the cord 22 is not yet tensioned and thus the individual elements wouldmost likely be more spread apart along the cord more than is illustratedin the drawings figures. Also, the cord 22 is much longer at this timeso that the cord may be grasped and tensioned after the assembly isfixed to the bone screws 25.

The assembly 1 is implanted by inserting the sleeve 5 in to one of thebone screws 25 and the sleeve 7 into another of the bone screws 25.Closure tops 210 are then inserted into and advanced between the arms234 and 235 of each of the receivers 207 so as to bias or push againstthe sleeve 5 and the sleeve 7 at respective planar surfaces 38 and 108.A driving tool (not shown) is inserted into each drive 297 to rotate anddrive the respective closure top 210 into the receiver 207. Each shankdome 229 is engaged by the cooperating insert 209 and pushed downwardlywhen the closure top 210 pushes downwardly on the sleeve 5 or sleeve 7.The downward pressure on the shank 206 in turn urges the splines 224downwardly which exerts both a downward and outward thrust on theretainer ring 208. Two polyaxial bone screws 25, including the dynamicconnecting member assembly 1, are shown in FIGS. 1 and 37, illustratingvarious shank 206 to receiver 207 angular configurations.

A tensioning tool (not shown) known in the art is then used to pull uponand put tension on the cord 22 near the end 194. The cord 22 ispreferably tensioned until the bumper compresses as shown in FIGS. 1 and37 and then the set screw 19 is rotated and driven into the blocker 18and up against the cord 22 using a driving tool (not shown) engaged withthe inner drive 189. The blocker 18 advantageously includes opposedplanar sides allowing for the placement of a counter-torque tool forholding the blocker 18 during tensioning and fixing of the cord 22within the blocker. As explained above, the set screw 19 and blocker 18combination include a limited travel feature such that the set screw 19is locked into place at a location that firmly holds but does not damagethe cord 22. The cord 22 is then trimmed to a desired length near theblocker end 178.

The assembly 1 is thus substantially dynamically loaded and orientedrelative to the cooperating vertebra, providing relief (e.g., shockabsorption) and protected movement with respect to flexion, extension,distraction and compressive forces placed on the assembly 1 and the twoconnected bone screws 25. The outer surfaces of the arms of the sleeves5 and 7, in particular the surface 52 of the sleeve 5 and the surfaces122 and 124 of the sleeve 7 are in fixed, flush relationship with theplanar side surface 236 or 237 of an engaged bone screw receiver 207,thus better supporting compression between the spacer 12 or the bumper16 during flexion and extension than that provided by current openimplants that are not equipped with flush sleeves 5 or 7. It is alsonoted that a problem encountered with dynamic spinal implant systems isthe need to provide adequate support with respect to bending sheer. Mostspinal movements are not purely bending movements, e.g., flexion andextension. Most movements include both bending and tension, extension orcompression. Such bending shear is not well resisted by a cord andspacer alone that performs well in tension, but not when the tensionincludes a vector force. The present invention advantageously provides ahard, non-elastic extension 100 of a rigid sliding sleeve body 99, theextension 100 further located within a non-elastic liner 13 of thespacer 12. Such features protect against vector forces while stillallowing for advantageous tension of the cord 22 as well as improvedcompression provided by the outer bumper 16. The cord 22 and the sleeve7 allow for some twisting or turning, providing some relief fortorsional stresses. Furthermore, the compressed bumper 16 and the fixedcontact between the sleeve 4 and the spacer 12 as well as the fixedcontact between the bumper 16 and the blocker 18 places some limits ontorsional movement as well as bending movement, to provide spinalsupport. The cord 22 (in tension) and bumper 16 (in compression) allowfor compression and some extension of the assembly 1 located between thetwo bone screws 25, e.g., shock absorption. Another advantage ofembodiments of the present invention is that because of the inelasticsleeve extension that slides within the typically elastic spacer locatedbetween two bone screws, the resulting assembly 1 is more stable than acord and spacer alone, therefore strength of the assembly does not relyupon the amount of tension placed upon the cord. Therefore, inembodiments according to the invention, it is not necessary to place asmuch tension on the cord 22 as would be required for a more traditionalcord and spacer arrangement, thus protecting the cord from damage ofover stressing.

It is also noted that in other embodiments of a connecting member 1according to the invention, the sleeve 5 may be extended at the end 52to provide a hard, non-elastic elongate portion for attachment to anadditional bone screw or screws, if needed, to provide a connectingmember with both dynamic, elastic segments as well as a longer rigidinelastic segment.

If removal of the assembly 1 from any of the bone screw assemblies 25 isnecessary, or if it is desired to release the assembly 1 at a particularlocation, disassembly is accomplished by using the driving tool (notshown) with a driving formation cooperating with the closure structure210 internal drive 297 to rotate and remove the closure structure 210from the receiver 207. Disassembly is then accomplished in reverse orderto the procedure described previously herein for assembly.

Eventually, if the spine requires more rigid support, the connectingmember assembly 1 according to the invention may be removed and replacedwith another longitudinal connecting member, such as a solid rod or bar,having the same width or diameter as body portions of the sleeves 5 and7, utilizing the same receivers 207 and the same or similar closurestructures 210. Alternatively, if less support is eventually required, aless rigid, more flexible assembly, for example, an assembly 1 having aspacer 12 and bumper 16 made of a softer more compressible material thanthe spacer and bumper being replaced thereby, also utilizing the samebone screws 25.

With reference to FIG. 1a , an alternative longitudinal connectingmember assembly according to the invention, generally Ia, for use with apolyaxial screw 25 and a monoaxial or fixed screw, 25 a is shown. Thescrew 25 a cooperates with a closure top 210 a to fix a tensioned cord22 a between the screw 25 a and a blocker 18 and cooperating set screw19 of the invention previously described herein. The fixed screw 25 aand cooperating closure 210 a are the same or similar to the respectivescrew 12 and closure top 14 shown and described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/661,042, filed Mar. 10, 2010, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein. In the illustratedembodiment, the polyaxial screw 25 engages the sleeve 7 that allows thecord 22 a to slide with respect thereto, the cord 22 a being tensionedbetween the screw 25 a and the blocker 18. The spacer 12 of theinvention is compressible and directly engages the monoaxial screw 25 aat one end thereof and the polyaxial screw 25 at the other end thereof.Furthermore, the spacer 12 engages the sleeve 7 that is flush with thescrew 25. The blocker 18 directly engages the surface 237 of thepolyaxial screw 25. Although the use of a bumper 16 is preferredaccording to the invention, as shown in FIG. 1a , a bumper is notnecessary in some embodiments. It is also foreseen that in someembodiments of the invention, the sleeves 5 and 7 may be sized to fitentirely within a cooperating bone anchor, such that, for example, thebumper and spacer may directly engage the surfaces 237 of the bone screw25, but not engage any surface of the sleeve that is fully containedwithin the bone screw receiver. In such embodiments, the sleeve mayinclude a rim or nub (with cooperating structure on the receiver) forkeeping such sleeve within the confines of the cooperating bone screwreceiver. Such a nub or rim may also keep such a recessed sleeve inalignment with the receiver arms and in a position that an aperture insuch a sleeve may receive a portion of a closure top for gripping a cordthat is slidingly received within such a sleeve.

With reference to FIGS. 38-43, an alternative longitudinal connectingmember assembly according to the invention, generally 301, for use withthree bone screws 25 includes a first sleeve 305, a second sleeve 307, athird sleeve 308, a first spacer/liner combination 310 and a secondspacer/liner combination 311. The first spacer/liner combination 310includes an outer spacer 312 and an inner liner 313 and the secondspacer/liner combination 311 includes an outer spacer 314 and an innerliner 315. The illustrated spacer/liner combination 311 is identical tothe spacer/liner combination 310 with the exception of a length thereofalong a central axis A″. The assembly 301 further includes a bumper 316,a cord blocker 318 and mating set screw 319 and a cord 322. The assembly301 is substantially similar to the assembly 1 with the exception of theaddition of the third sleeve 308 and the second spacer/liner combination311. Thus, the first sleeve 305, the second sleeve 307, the firstspacer/liner combination 310, the bumper 316, the cord blocker 318, theset screw 319 and the cord 322 are the same or substantially similar tothe respective first sleeve 5, second sleeve 7, spacer/liner combination10, bumper 16, cord blocker 18, set screw 19 and cord 22 of the assembly1 previously discussed above and thus shall not be discussed furtherherein. Although only one additional sleeve 309 (and attached bone screw25) and cooperating spacer/liner 311 are illustrated in the drawings, itis noted that the assembly 301 of the invention may be lengthenedfurther and adapted for use with additional bone screws by simply addingmore sleeves 309 and cooperating spacer/liners 311 between the sleeve305 and the sleeve 307.

With particular reference to FIGS. 40-43, the sleeve 309 includes a bodyportion 330 generally sized and shaped for being received within thepolyaxial bone screw 25 and a first tubular extension 332 sized andshaped to engage and hold the spacer 312 in fixed engagement with thesleeve 309. The sleeve also includes a second opposed tubular extension333 sized and shaped to be slidingly received by the spacer/linercombination 311. The illustrated body portion 330 and tubular extensions332 and 333 are integral or otherwise fixed to one another. A throughbore 334 extends through a lower portion of the body portion 330 andcentrally through both the tubular extensions 332 and 333. The bore 334is sized and shaped to slidingly receive the cord 322 and when assembledwith a remainder of the assembly 301 extends along the axis A″. The bodyportion 330 includes an outer side and lower surface 336 that issubstantially U-shaped in cross-section, being sized and shaped to fitwithin a U-shaped opening of the bone screw 25. A substantial portion ofthe surface 336 terminates at an upper planar surface 338, with theU-shaped surface extending on either side of the planar surface 338 intoupwardly extending arms or flanges 340 and 342. An optional opening 329(shown in phantom) may be formed in the planar surface 338, the opening329 sized and shaped for receiving a portion of an alternative closuretop (not shown) that is sized and shaped to extend through the opening329 and press against and/or penetrate the cord portion located withinthe sleeve 309, locking the cord with respect to the sleeve 309 as willbe described in greater detail herein with respect to other embodimentsof the invention (see, e.g., FIGS. 44 and 116). Inner surfaces 344 and346 of the respective arms 340 and 342 form a discontinuous cylindricalwall sized and shaped to receive a closure top of the bone screw 25. Theplanar surface 338 is also a seating surface for the bone screw closuretop. The arms 340 and 342 and the U-shaped body 336 are sized and shapedto fit within the receiver of the bone screw 25 and resist rotation andother forces placed on the sleeve 309. However, it is noted that in someembodiments, the sleeve 309 may be substantially cylindrical in outerform and thus receivable within a variety of fixed or polyaxial screwheads. In the illustrated embodiment, the arms 340 and 342 that arereceived within the polyaxial screw 25 terminate at respective upperplanar surfaces 348 and 350. The arms 340 and 342 further includerespective substantially planar outer or end surfaces 352 and 354, suchsurfaces being operatively flush with the side surfaces 236 or 237 ofthe bone screw 25. The outer surface 354 is adjacent to a taperedsurface 355 that extends toward and terminates at a first cylindricalsurface 356 of the tubular extension 332. The outer cylindrical surface356 terminates at a radially extending annular wall 358 that isperpendicular thereto. The wall 358 terminates at a second substantiallycylindrical surface 360 of greater outer diameter than the cylindricalsurface 356. The surface 360 terminates at an annular inwardly taperingbeveled surface 362. The bevel 362 is adjacent to a planar annular endsurface 364 that is disposed perpendicular to the cylindrical surface360. The surface 364 is adjacent to a flared or beveled surface 365 thatdefines an opening of the bore 334. The surfaces 356, 358 and 360provide a push-on connective element for attachment to inner surfaces ofthe spacer 312. The sleeves 305, 307, 309, the liners 313 and 315 andthe cord blocker 318 with set screw 319 may be made from a variety ofinelastic materials, including, but not limited to metals, metal alloys,including cobalt chromium, and inelastic plastics including, but notlimited to plastic polymers such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK),ultra-high-molecular weight-polyethylene (UHMWP), polyurethanes andcomposites, including composites containing carbon fiber and layers ofdifferent materials.

The tubular structure 333 includes an end surface 364 located adjacentto a flared or beveled surface 365 that defines an opposite opening thebore 334. At an opposite end of the tubular structure 333, the arm outerplanar surface 352 is adjacent to a tapered surface 366 that extendstoward and terminates at a cylindrical surface 367 of the tubularextension 333. The outer cylindrical surface 367 extends toward anannular planar end surface 368 that is perpendicular thereto. A beveledsurface 370 spans between the cylindrical surface 367 and the endsurface 368. The end surface 368 terminates at an inner flared surface371, the surface 371 defining an opening of the bore 334. Upon assemblywith the spacer 314/liner 315 combination, the cylindrical surface 367is in slidable relationship with the inner surface of the liner 315. Adesirable material for both the liner 315 and the tubular extension 333is cobalt chromium. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the invention,in order to have low or no wear debris, the liner 315 inner surface andthe outer surface 367 of the tubular extension 333 may be coated with anultra thin, ultra hard, ultra slick and ultra smooth coating, such asmay be obtained from ion bonding techniques and/or other gas or chemicaltreatments.

As stated above, the spacer/liner combination 311 is identical to thespacer/liner combination 310 with the exception of length along the axisA″. Thus, the spacer/liner combination 311 is identical or substantiallysimilar to the spacer/liner combination 10 previously described herein.With reference to FIG. 39, during assembly, the spacer 312 ispress-fitted over the tubular extension 332 of the sleeve 309 while thespacer 314 is press fitted over the tubular extension of the sleeve 305.Thus, the elements are loaded onto the cord 322 as follows: the sleeve305, followed by the spacer/liner combination 311, followed by thesleeve 309, followed by the spacer/liner combination 312 followed by thesleeve 307, followed by the bumper 316 and attached blocker 318 with setscrew 319. The assembly 301 is implanted with each of the sleeves 305,307 and 309 being attached to a bone screw 25 as shown in FIG. 38. Afterthe sleeves are attached to the bone screws 25, the cord 322 istensioned. Thus, the fully assembled and dynamically loaded assembly 301allows for translation of the receivers or heads 207 of all three of thebone screws 25 along the tensioned cord 322 while at the same time allthree sleeves 305, 307 and 309 are fixedly coupled to a respective screwreceiver 207. Furthermore, the tubular extension 333 of the sleeve 309as well as the tubular extension of the sleeve 307 glide withinspacer/liner combinations 310 and 311, protecting the assembly frombending shear forces while allowing for the desired movement of allthree screws 25 with respect to the tensioned cord 322.

With particular reference to FIGS. 45-95, the reference numeral 1001generally designates a non-fusion dynamic stabilization longitudinalconnecting member assembly according to the present invention. Theconnecting member assembly 1001 is elongate, having a substantiallycentral axis A. With particular reference to FIGS. 45-48, theillustrated connecting member assembly 1001 generally includes at leastfirst and second hard, inelastic flanged sleeves 1005 and 1007 with aspacer/liner combination, generally 1010, located therebetween. Inparticular, the spacer/liner combination 1010 includes an outer spacer1012 and an inner optional liner 1013. The assembly 1001 furtherincludes an elastic bumper 1016, a cord blocker 1018 with cooperatingset screw 1019 and an inner core that in the present embodiment is acord 1022. The cord 1022 extends along the axis A and successivelythrough and within the sleeve 1005, the spacer 1012, the sleeve 1007(and spacer/liner 1010), the bumper 1016 and the cord blocker 1018 asshown, for example, in FIG. 72. In FIGS. 45 and 72, the assembly 1001 isshown attached to two polyaxial bone screws, generally 1025 at thesleeves 1005 and 1007. A portion of the sleeve 1007 extends into andthrough the spacer/liner 1010 and is in slidable relationship therewith.A portion of the cord blocker 1018 extends into a bore of the bumper1016. As will be described and explained in greater detail below, thebumper 1016 is typically made from an elastomer while the outer spacer1012 is also elastomeric, but typically made from a material with adifferent durometer, being tougher and less compressible than thematerial of the bumper 1016. Furthermore, the sleeves 1005 and 1007 andthe spacer liner 1013 are made from a hard, non-elastic material, suchas a metal or metal alloy, like cobalt chromium. The hard and stiffsliding sleeve 1007 includes an extension that slides into the liner1013, providing a dynamic no- or low-wear, sliding relationship betweenthe sleeve 1007 and the liner 1013 that is non-binding, and providesexcellent shear resistance while at the same time, the thin liner 1013cooperating with the elastomeric spacer 1012 as well as the tensionedcord 1022 provide controlled bending, with the tensioned cord 1022 andcompressed bumper 1016, performing well under tension and compression.Flanged portions of the sleeves 1005 and 1007 are located on either sideof the bone screws 1025, the flanges abutting against the spacer 1012 orthe bumper 1016, the flanges extending radially outwardly to an extentto fully engage ends of the spacer 1012 or the bumper 1016, resulting ina stable, secure, substantially full contact between the individualelements of the assembly 1001. Furthermore, the flanges allow forassembly and dynamic setting of the assembly prior to implantation, ifdesired, with the cord 1022 being placed in tension and at least thebumper 1016 being placed in compression. In some embodiments of theinvention, tensioning of the cord 1022 and compression of the bumper1016 and optionally the spacer 1012 may be performed after the assembly1001 is attached to the bone screws 1025.

With particular reference to FIGS. 49-53, the sleeve 1005 furtherincludes a body portion 1030 generally sized and shaped for beingreceived within the polyaxial bone screw 1025 and a tubular extension1032 sized and shaped to engage and hold the spacer 1012 in fixedengagement with the sleeve 1005. The illustrated body portion 1030 andtubular extension 1032 are integral or otherwise fixed to one another. Athrough bore 1034 extends centrally through the body portion 1030 andcentrally through the tubular extension 1032. The bore 1034 is sized andshaped to slidingly receive the cord 1022 and when assembled with aremainder of the assembly 1001 extends along the axis A. The bodyportion 1030 further includes a pair of spaced radially extendingflanges 1036 and 1037 with a cylindrical body surface 1038 being locatedtherebetween. The flanges 1036 and 1037 are spaced for closely receivingthe bone screw 1025 therebetween as will be described in greater detailbelow. The flange 1036 also defines an end of the sleeve 1005 while theflange 1037 is located at a juncture of the body portion 1030 and thetubular extension 1032. The cylindrical surface 1038 is sized and shapedto be receivable within and frictionally fixed to a variety of monoaxialor polyaxial screw heads. In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges1036 and 1037 further include respective substantially planar innersurfaces 1042 and 1043, respective outer planar surfaces 1046 and 1047and respective outer cylindrical surfaces 1048 and 1049. The surfaces1046 and 1047 may include ridges or other protruding structure forresisting rotation about the axis A. The planar surface 1046 alsodefines an end surface of the sleeve 1005. The surface 1046 is adjacentto a flared or beveled surface 1053 that defines an opening of the bore1034. The outer surface 1047 is adjacent to a tapered surface 1055 thatextends toward and terminates at a first cylindrical surface 1056 of thetubular extension 1032. The outer cylindrical surface 1056 terminates ata radially extending annular wall 1058 that is substantiallyperpendicular thereto and may be curved or flat. The wall 1058terminates at a second substantially cylindrical surface 1060 of greaterouter diameter than the cylindrical surface 1056. The surface 1060terminates at an annular inwardly tapering beveled surface 1062. Thebevel 1062 is adjacent to a planar annular end surface 1064 that isdisposed perpendicular to the cylindrical surface 1060. The surface 1064is adjacent to a flared or beveled surface 1065 that defines an openingof the bore 1034. The surfaces 1056, 1058 and 1060 provide a push-onconnective element for attachment to inner surfaces of the spacer 1012as will be described in greater detail below. The sleeve 1005, as wellas the sleeve 1007, the optional liner 1013 and the cord blocker 1018with set screw 1019 may be made from a variety of inelastic materials,including, but not limited to metals, metal alloys, including cobaltchromium, and inelastic plastics including, but not limited to plasticpolymers such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ultra-high-molecularweight-polyethylene (UHMWP), polyurethanes and composites, includingcomposites containing carbon fiber and layers of different materials.

With particular reference to FIGS. 45-48 and 5457, the spacer 1012 issubstantially cylindrical and tubular in form, having an outercylindrical surface 1070 and an inner, graduated through bore, generally1072. The spacer 1012 has opposed substantially planar annular endsurfaces 1074 and 1076. The bore 1072 is defined in part by a firstinner cylindrical surface 1078 that begins at the surface 1076 andextends substantially along a length of the spacer 1012. The surface1078 closely receives the inner liner 1013 thereon. In fact, the spacer1012/liner 1013 combination is typically assembled or manufactured withthe optional liner 1013 being fixed to the surface 1078 such that asurgeon receives the spacer 1012/liner 1013 combination alreadyassembled and ready for the surgeon to cut the spacer 1012/liner 1013combination to a desired length near the end 1076 as will be describedin greater detail below. Adjacent the end 1074, the spacer 1012 includesa flared or beveled opening surface 1080 extending to an innercylindrical surface 1082 having an inner diameter smaller than thecylindrical surface 1078. A third inner cylindrical surface 1084 islocated between the surface 1082 and the surface 1078, the surface 1084having a diameter larger than the surface 1082 and smaller than thesurface 1078. A curved transition surface 1086 spans between thecylindrical surfaces 1082 and 1084 and a curved transition surface 1088spans between the cylindrical surfaces 1084 and 1078. Portions of thetransition surfaces 1086 and 1088 are substantially perpendicular to thecylindrical surfaces 1078, 1082 and 1084. As will be described ingreater detail below, when the spacer 1012/liner 1013 combination (or insome embodiments, a spacer 1012 only) is pushed onto the tubularextension 1032 of the sleeve 1005 during assembly, the end surface 1074of the spacer 1012 engages the planar surface 1047 of the sleeve 1005,the flared surface 1080 of the spacer engages the tapered surface 1055of the sleeve, the inner cylindrical surface 1082 engages the outercylindrical surface 1056 of the sleeve, the surface 1086 of the spacerengages the surface 1058 of the sleeve, and the inner cylindricalsurface 1084 of the spacer engages the outer cylindrical surface 1060 ofthe tubular extension 1032. As best shown in FIG. 72, the close fitbetween the spacer inner cylindrical surfaces 1082 and 1084 and thetubular extension 1032 of the sleeve 1005, provide a secure, fixedpositioning of the spacer 1012 with respect to the sleeve 1005 along theaxis A, prohibiting the spacer 1012 from being pulled away from thesleeve surface 1054 during spinal movement. However, some relativerotational movement between the spacer 1012 and the sleeve 1005 aboutthe axis A is possible, allowing for some twist or turn, providing somerelief for torsional stresses. The spacer 1012 is typically elastic andmade from a plastic, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer made from apolyurethane or polyurethane blend, such as a polycarbonate urethane.

Also with particular reference to FIGS. 54-57, the optional inelasticliner 1013 is substantially cylindrical and tubular in form, having anouter cylindrical surface 1090 and an inner cylindrical through bore1092. The liner 1013 has opposed annular end surfaces 1094 and 1096. Asbest shown in FIG. 57, the end surface 1094 abuts against the annularsurface 1088 of the spacer 1012 and the outer cylindrical surface 1090is adhered or otherwise fixed to the inner cylindrical surface 1078 ofthe spacer 1012. The end surface 1096 is disposed flush to the endsurface 1076 of the spacer 1012, these surfaces being the cut-to-lengthside of the spacer 1012/liner 1013 combination as will be described ingreater detail below. Although shown as a separate part or element insome of the drawings, when used, the optional liner 1013 is typicallyprovided pre-assembled within the spacer 1012. The liner 1013 may bemade from a variety of non-elastic materials, including metals, metalalloys and some plastics, with cobalt chromium being a preferredmaterial. The inner cylindrical surface 1092 is sized and shaped toslidingly receive a tubular extension of the inelastic sleeve 1007 aswill be described in greater detail below.

With particular reference to FIGS. 58-61, the sleeve 1007 includes abody portion 1099 generally sized and shaped for being received withinthe polyaxial bone screw 1025 and a tubular extension 1100 sized andshaped to be slidingly received in the spacer 1012/liner 1013combination. The illustrated body portion 1099 and tubular extension1100 are integral or otherwise fixed to one another. With particularreference to FIG. 95, more than one size of sleeve 1007 is typicallyprovided to the surgeon, the sleeves 1007 differing only in the lengthof the tubular extension 1100, so as to appropriately match the size ofthe patient's spine. A through bore 1104 extends centrally through thebody portion 1099 and the tubular extension 1100. The bore 1104 is sizedand shaped to slidingly receive the cord 1022 and when assembled with aremainder of the assembly 1001 extends along the axis A. The bodyportion 1099 includes an outer cylindrical surface 1106 disposed betweentwo radially extending flanges 1110 and 1112. The body portion 1099 andflanges 1110 and 1112 of the sleeve 1007 are substantially similar inform and function to the respective cylindrical body surface 1038 andflanges 1036 and 1037 of the sleeve 1005, with a polyaxial bone screwreceiver being received between the flanges 1110 and 1112. The flanges1110 and 1112 further include respective substantially planar innerwalls 1114 and 1116, outer cylindrical surfaces 1118 and 1120 and outerwalls or end surfaces 1122 and 1124. The surfaces 1122 and 1124 mayinclude ridges or other protrusions. The outer surface 1124 is also anend surface of the sleeve 1007. The surface 1124 is adjacent to a flaredor beveled surface 1125 that defines an opening of the bore 1104. Theouter surface 1122 is adjacent to a tapered surface 1126 that extendstoward and terminates at a cylindrical surface 1127 of the tubularextension 1100. The outer cylindrical surface 1127 extends toward anannular planar end surface 1128 that is perpendicular thereto. A beveledsurface 1130 spans between the cylindrical surface 1127 and the endsurface 1128. The end surface 1128 terminates at an inner flared surface1131, the surface 1131 defining an opening of the bore 1104. Uponassembly with the spacer 1012/liner 1013 combination, the cylindricalsurface 1127 is in slidable relationship with the inner surface of theliner 1013 defining the through-bore 1092. As stated above, a desirablematerial for both the liner 1013 and the tubular extension 1100 iscobalt chromium. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the invention, inorder to have low or no wear debris, the liner 1013 inner surface andthe outer surface 1127 of the tubular extension 1100 may be coated withan ultra thin, ultra hard, ultra slick and ultra smooth coating, such asmay be obtained from ion bonding techniques and/or other gas or chemicaltreatments. It is further noted that inner surfaces of the sleeves 1005and 1007 that receive the cord 1022 may also be likewise coated toprovide a slick, low to no wear debris interface with the cord 1022.

With particular reference to FIGS. 62-68, the bumper 1016 issubstantially cylindrical and tubular in form, having an outercylindrical surface 1140 and an inner, graduated through bore, generally1142. The bumper 1016 has opposed substantially planar annular endsurfaces 1144 and 1146. The bore 1142 is defined in part by a firstinner cylindrical surface 1148 that begins at the surface 1146. Thesurface 1148 closely receives a tubular extension of the cord blocker1018 as will be described in greater detail below. Adjacent the end1144, the bumper 1016 may include a flared or beveled opening surfaceextending to an inner cylindrical surface 1152 having an inner diametersmaller than a diameter of the inner cylindrical surface 1148. A curvedtransition surface 1156 spans between the cylindrical surfaces 1152 and1148. A substantial portion of the surface 1156 is disposedperpendicular to the cylindrical surfaces 1152 and 1148. The bumper 1016is elastic and may be made from a variety of compressible andstretchable materials, including, but not limited to natural orsynthetic elastomers such as polyisoprene (natural rubber), andsynthetic polymers, copolymers, and thermoplastic elastomers, forexample, polyurethane elastomers such as polycarbonate-urethaneelastomers. In order to have low or no wear debris, the bumper 1016inner surface may also be coated with an ultra thin, ultra hard, ultraslick and ultra smooth coating, such as may be obtained from ion bondingtechniques and/or other gas or chemical treatments.

Also with reference to FIGS. 62-68, the cord blocker 1018 andcooperating set screw 1019 are shown. The blocker 1018 includes a bodyportion 1159 and a tubular extension 1160 sized and shaped to beslidingly received in the bumper 1016 at the inner cylindrical surface1148. The illustrated body portion 1159 and tubular extension 1160 areintegral or otherwise fixed to one another. A through bore 1164 extendsthrough a lower portion of the body portion 1159 and centrally throughthe tubular extension 1160. The bore 1164 is sized and shaped to receivethe cord 1022 and when assembled with a remainder of the assembly 1001extends along the axis A. The body portion 1159 includes an outer sideand lower surface 1166 that is substantially U-shaped in cross-section,however, the surface 1166 may have a variety of outer geometries,including cylindrical or of other curved or polygonal cross-sections.The surface 1166 terminates at an upper planar surface 1168. Formed inthe surface 1168 is a threaded bore 1170 sized and shaped to receive andthreadably mate with the set screw 1019. The threaded bore 1170communicates with the through bore 1164 and is substantiallyperpendicular thereto. Near the intersection of the bore 164 and thethreaded bore 1170, a surface 1172 partially defining the bore 1164includes a depression 1174, sized and shaped for receiving the cord 1022therein when the set screw 1019 engages the cord 1022 as will bedescribed in greater detail below. The blocker 1018 further includesopposed substantially planar end surfaces 1176 and 1178. The end surface1176 is also the end surface of the tubular extension 1160 that has anouter cylindrical surface 1180. The end surface 1178 is also the endsurface of the body 1159. The body further includes a substantiallyannular planar end surface 1182 adjacent the tubular extension 1160. Inoperation, the end surface 1146 of the bumper 1016 abuts against the endsurface 1182.

The set screw 1019 includes a threaded body 1184 having a concave ordomed bottom surface 1186 and a substantially cylindrical head 1188.Formed in the cylindrical head 1188 is an inner drive 1189 sized andshaped to receive a driving tool for rotating and advancing the setscrew 1019 into the blocker 1018 at the threaded bore 1170.Specifically, the threaded body 1184 mates under rotation with thethreaded bore 1170. The set screw 1019 and blocker 1018 are sized andshaped to have a limited travel or stop such that when the set screw1019 is rotated into the bore 1170 and extends into the bore 1164, theset screw 1019 locks and cannot be advanced any further at a desiredlocation wherein the cord 1022 is frictionally held firmly and snugly inplace between the domed bottom 1186 and the concave or depressed surface1174 without damaging or destroying the cord 1022.

It is noted that the blocker 1018 and set screw 1019 combination istypically provided with the bumper 1016 pre-attached thereto and handledas a unit assembly. Thus, prior to being received by the surgeon, thebumper 1016 is wedged and in some cases adhered or otherwise fixed ontothe tubular extension 1160 at the factory, with the surface 1148 of thebumper frictionally engaging the surface 1180 of the blocker 1018 andthe surface 1146 of the bumper 1016 abutting against and fixed to thesurface 1182 of the blocker 1018.

With particular reference to FIGS. 47 and 48, the illustrated cord 1022includes an elongate body 1190 with an enlarged end 1192 and an opposedcut-to-length end 1194. The enlarged end 1192 may be created by heatingthe cord 1022 to melt the cord and create the enlarged end 1192 thatabuts against the surface 1046 of the sleeve 1005 and is too large toenter the bore 1034. Alternatively an outer pin or knob (not shown) maybe fixed to the cord 1022. In other embodiments of the invention ablocker and set screw combination, similar to the blocker 1018 and setscrew 1019 may be used to fix the cord 1022 outside of the sleeve 1005and thus allow the cord 1022 to be in slidable relationship with thesleeve 1005. The cord 1022 may be made from a variety of materials,including polyester or other plastic fibers, strands or threads, such aspolyethylene-terephthalate. A cord according to the invention typicallydoes not illustrate elastic properties, such as any significantadditional axial distraction and lengthening after the assembly 1001 isoperatively assembled and the cord is tensioned. However, it is foreseenthat in some embodiments, the cord 1022 may be made of an elastic orsemi-elastic material, such as a plastic or rubber (natural orsynthetic) having at least some elastic properties, allowing for somefurther distraction of the assembly 1001 during operation thereof. Thecore can also be a cable-like structure made of metal.

With particular reference to FIGS. 69-89 the reference number 1025generally represents a polyaxial bone screw apparatus or assembly inaccordance with the present invention operably utilized by implantationinto a vertebra (not shown) and in conjunction with the connectingmember assembly 1001 of the invention. The bone anchor assembly 1025generally includes a shank 1206, a receiver 1207, a retainer structureor ring 1208, a lower pressure insert 1209 and a closure structure ortop 1210.

The shank 1206 is elongate and has an upper body portion 1214 integralwith a lower body portion 1215, ending in a tip 1216. The shank body1215 has a helically wound bone implantable thread 1217 extending fromnear a tip 1216 to near a top area 1218 of the lower body 1215 andextending radially outward therefrom. During use, the body 1215utilizing the thread 1217 is implanted into a vertebra. The shank 1206has an elongated axis of rotation generally identified by the referenceletter B.

Axially extending outward and upward from the shank body 1215 is a neck1220 that in some embodiments is of reduced radius as compared to theadjacent top area 1218 of the body 1215. Further extending axially andoutwardly from the neck 1220 is the shank upper portion 1214 operablyproviding a connective or capture structure free from the bone orvertebra for joining with the receiver 1207. The shank upper portion orcapture structure 1214 has a frusto-conical surface 1222 locatedadjacent to the neck 1220 and extending outwardly to an undercut surface1224 of a substantially spherical or domed shaped surface 1226 that iscentrally radiused. The undercut surface 1224 forms an oblique anglewith respect to the substantially conical surface 1222 as well as to theaxis B. In some embodiments of the invention, the surface 1224 may besubstantially perpendicular to the frusto-conical surface 1224 or inother embodiments, the surface 1224 may be substantially perpendicularto the axis B. However, it has been found that providing an undercut oroblique relationship between the domed surface 1226 and thefrusto-conical surface 1222 results in better fixation of the retainer1208 to the bone screw shank upper body portion 1214 as will bedescribed in greater detail below. Also formed in the shank upperportion 1214 within an annular rim 1228 of the surface 1226 is a toolengagement aperture 1231 for engagement by a tool driving head (notshown) that is sized and shaped to fit into the aperture for bothdriving and rotating the shank 1206 into a vertebra. In the illustratedembodiment, the aperture 1231 is hex-shaped and runs parallel to theaxis B. It is foreseen that various sizes, shapes and numbers ofapertures, slots or the like may be utilized in accordance with theinvention for engaging a driving tool of suitable and similar matingshape. The illustrated shank 1206 is cannulated, having a through bore1232 extending an entire length of the shank 1206 along the axis B. Thebore 1232 is defined by an inner cylindrical wall of the shank 1206 andhas a circular opening at the shank tip 1206 and an upper openingcommunicating with the internal drive feature 1231. The bore 1232provides a passage through the shank 1206 interior for a length of wire(not shown) inserted into the vertebra (not shown) prior to theinsertion of the shank body 1215, the wire providing a guide forinsertion of the shank body 1215 into the vertebra (not shown).

To provide a biologically active interface with the bone, the threadedshank body 1215 may be coated, perforated, made porous or otherwisetreated. The treatment may include, but is not limited to a plasma spraycoating or other type of coating of a metal or, for example, a calciumphosphate; or a roughening, perforation or indentation in the shanksurface, such as by sputtering, sand blasting or acid etching, thatallows for bony ingrowth or ongrowth. Certain metal coatings act as ascaffold for bone ingrowth. Bio-ceramic calcium phosphate coatingsinclude, but are not limited to: alpha-tri-calcium phosphate andbeta-tri-calcium phosphate (Ca₃(PO₄)₂, tetra-calcium phosphate(Ca₄P₂O₉), amorphous calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite(Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂). Coating with hydroxyapatite, for example, isdesirable as hydroxyapatite is chemically similar to bone with respectto mineral content and has been identified as being bioactive and thusnot only supportive of bone ingrowth, but actively taking part in bonebonding.

The receiver 1207 has a generally squared-off U-shaped appearance with apartially cylindrical inner profile and a substantially faceted outerprofile; however, the outer profile could also include other geometricalconfigurations. Side surfaces of the receiver 1207 that are closelyreceived by the flanges 1036 and 1037 of the sleeve 1005 or the flanges1110 and 1112 of the sleeve 1007 are preferably planar. A receiver axisof rotation C is aligned with the axis of rotation B of the shank 1206during assembly of the receiver 1207 with the shank 1206 and theretainer 1208. After the receiver 1207 is pivotally connected to theshank 1206, and such assembly is implanted in a vertebra (not shown),the axis C is typically disposed at an angle with respect to the axis Bof the shank 1206.

With reference to FIGS. 69-88, the receiver 1207 has a base 1233 with apair of upstanding arms 1234 and 1235 forming a U-shaped channel 1238between the arms 1234 and 1235 having a lower seat 1239. Opposed planarside surfaces 1236 and 1237 also define the channel 1238 and extendupwardly from the base 1233 and to top surfaces 1240 of the arms. Theinsert 1209 that is disposed within the receiver 1207 is sized andshaped to closely receive the sleeve 1005 body surface 1038 or thesleeve 1007 body surface 1106. Each of the arms 1234 and 1235 has aninterior surface 1241 that includes a partial helically wound guide andadvancement structure 1242. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide andadvancement structure 1242 is a partial helically wound flangeform thatmates under rotation with a similar structure on the closure top 1210,as described below. However, it is foreseen that the guide andadvancement structure 1242 could alternatively be a buttress thread, areverse angle thread or other thread like or non-thread like helicallywound advancement structures for operably guiding under rotation andadvancing the closure top between the arms 1234 and 1235. Also,non-helically wound closure tops or caps are foreseen. Tool engagingapertures 1244 are formed on the outsides of the arms 1234 and 1235 forholding the receiver 1207 during certain assembly steps and/orimplantation of the assembly and also for access to a thin deformablewall 1245 during assembly with the pressure insert 1209.

A chamber or cavity 1247 is located within the receiver base 1233 thatopens upwardly into the U-shaped channel 1238. The cavity 1247 includesa partial spherical shaped surface 1248, at least a portion of whichforms a partial internal hemispherical seat for the retainer 1208, as isdescribed further below. A lower neck 1250 defining a lower bore furthercommunicates between the cavity 1247 and the bottom exterior of the base1233 and is coaxial with the rotational axis C of the receiver 1207. Theneck 1250 at least partially defines a restriction having a radius whichis smaller than the radius of the retainer 1208 when the retainer isfully engaged with the frusto-conical surface 1222 of the shank 1206, soas to form a restrictive constriction at the location of the neck 1250relative to the retainer 1208 to prevent the retainer 1208 from passingbetween the cavity 1247 and the lower exterior of the receiver 1207.

In an upper portion of the cavity 1247, a substantially cylindricalsurface 1252 includes a run-out surface 1253 located directly beneaththe guide and advancement structure 1242. With particular reference toFIGS. 82-83 and 87-88, formed in the surface 1253 under the structure1242 of both of the arms 1234 and 1235 is a recess 1254 partiallydefined by a stop or abutment wall 1255. As will be described in greaterdetail below, the cooperating compression insert 1209 includes aprotruding structure 1294 on each arm thereof that abuts against therespective wall 1255 of each of the receiver arms, providing a centeringstop when the insert 1209 is rotated into place as will be describedbelow.

With particular reference to FIGS. 76-81, the retainer 1208 is an openand substantially ring-shaped and has an operational central axis whichis the same as the elongate axis B associated with the shank 1206, butwhen the retainer 1208 is separated from the shank 1206, the axis ofrotation is identified as axis D. The retainer 1208 has a central bore1256 that passes entirely through the retainer 1208 from a top surface1258 to a bottom surface 1259 thereof. The bore 1256 is substantiallyformed by a frusto-conical surface 1257, sized and shaped to fit snuglyover the shank capture structure frusto-conical surface 1222 in such amanner as to allow sliding axial movement therebetween during assemblyand substantially full contact between the surface 1257 and the surface1222 during operation, as described below.

As stated above, the retainer 1208 is open, having a through-gap runningfrom the top surface 1258 through the bottom surface 1259, the gapformed by facing surfaces 1260 and 1261. The illustrated surfaces 1260and 1261 are substantially parallel, both running substantiallyperpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces 1258 and 1259. It isforeseen that in other embodiments of the invention, the surfaces 1260and 1261 may form and oblique angle with the top and bottom surfaces1258 and 1259. With particular reference to FIGS. 70 and 80, the gapbetween the surfaces 1260 and 1261 is sized such that the surfaces 1260and 1261 may be moved toward one another, squeezing the retainer 1208about the shank neck 1220 during assembly such that the retainer 1208and shank upper portion 1214 may be inserted into and through the neck1250 of the receiver 1207 and into the receiver cavity 1247 wherein theretainer 1208 may be released and allowed to expand to a natural statethereof, capturing both the retainer 1208 and the shank upper portion1214 within the receiver cavity 1247.

The retainer top surface 1258 includes a cut or notch, generally 1262that appears substantially v-shaped in cross-section. Specifically, thecut 1262 is defined by a substantially curved or spherical surface 1263and a contiguous partially conical or sloping surface 1264. The notch1262 is located near the frusto-conical surface 1257, with the slopingsurface 1262 extending to or near the surface 1257. In the illustratedembodiment, the surface 1262 extends to a rounded or beveled annularsurface 1266 that opens to the surface 1257 that defines the inner bore1256. The curved surface 1263 has a radius that is the same orsubstantially similar to the radius of the domed surface 1226 of theshank upper body portion 1214. The conical surface 1264 is sized andshaped to be closely received by the undercut surface 1224 of the shankupper body portion 1214. Thus, when the surface 1257 engages the shanksurface 1222 and is slid axially toward the domed surface 1226 duringassembly, the shank undercut 1224 engages the surface 1264 and thespherical surface 1263 of the notch 1262 engages a portion of the domedsurface 1226, advantageously providing a stop and a secure fit betweenthe retainer 1208 and the shank upper body portion 1214 within thereceiver 1207.

The retainer 1208 has a radially outer partial hemispherical shapedsurface 1265 sized and shaped to mate with the partial spherical shapedsurface 1248 of the receiver 1207 and having a radius approximatelyequal to a radius associated with the surface 1248. The retainer 1208radius (when in an operational non-squeezed orientation) is larger thanthe radius associated with the annular curved surface 1229 of the shankupper portion 1214 and also substantially larger than the radius of thereceiver neck 1250.

With particular reference to FIGS. 84-88, the lower compression orpressure insert 1209 includes a substantially cylindrical body 1270integral with a pair of upstanding arms 1272. The body 1270 and arms1272 form a generally U-shaped, open, through-channel 1274 having alower seat 1276 sized and shaped to closely, snugly engage the sleeve1005 or the sleeve 1007. The arms 1272 disposed on either side of thechannel 1274 extend outwardly from the body 1270. The arms 1272 aresized and configured for placement near the run-out 1253 below the guideand advancement structure 1242 at the receiver inner arms 1234 and 1235.Each of the arms 1272 includes a top surface 1278 ultimately locateddirectly beneath the guide and advancement structure 1242, but are notdirectly engaged by the closure top 1210. However, in some embodimentsof the bone screw for use with other longitudinal connecting members,the closure top may directly engage the top surfaces 278 for locking thepolyaxial mechanism of the assembly 1025. Therefore, the assembly 1 maybe used with a wide variety of longitudinal connecting members,including the sleeves 1005 and 1007 or inelastic or deformable rods orother connecting members that engage the closure top 1210 and are lockedinto position by such closure top 1210 as well as rods of smallerdiameter or, for example cords that are captured by the closure top1210, but are otherwise movable within the receiver 1207 and are thus inslidable or spaced relation with the closure top 1210. Each arm 1272further includes a partially cylindrical outer surface 1280 sized andshaped to fit within the receiver 1207 at the guide and advancementstructure 1242 run-out relief 1253. The cylindrical surfaces 1280 aredisposed substantially perpendicular to the respective adjacent topsurfaces 1278. In some embodiments of the invention recesses are formednear and/or at the top surfaces 1278 and the surfaces that form thechannel 1274 to provide relief for material flow of the longitudinalconnecting member, when, for example, the connector is made from adeformable plastic. For example, a recessed surface or groove may bedirected downwardly and inwardly toward the channel 1274. Each of theouter surfaces 1280 further includes a recess 1282 sized and shaped toreceive holding tabs or crimped material from the receiver 1207. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 71, the thin walls 1245 of the receiver 1207are pressed into the recesses 1282 to prevent counter-clockwise rotationof the insert 1209 about the axis C with respect to the receiver 1207.In other embodiments of the invention, the receiver 1207 may be equippedwith spring tabs that snap into the recesses 1282 to hold the insert1209 in place with respect to counter-clockwise rotation. The recesses1282 are preferably oval or elongate such that some desirable upward anddownward movement of the insert 1209 along the axis C of the receiver1207 is not prohibited. As previously described herein the compressioninsert 1209 arms each include the protruding structure 1294 located onopposite sides of the arms such that when the insert 1209 is droppeddown into the receiver 1207 as shown by the arrow M in FIG. 87 and thenrotated into place in a clockwise direction as shown by the arrow N inFIG. 88, the structure 1294 abuts the wall 1255 of the recessed area2154 when the insert is in a desired centered location with theapertures 1282 in alignment with the apertures 1244.

The compression insert 1209 further includes an inner cylindricalsurface 1284 that forms a through bore sized and shaped to receive adriving tool (not shown) therethrough that engages the shank drivefeature 1231 when the shank body 1215 is driven into bone. The innersurface 1284 runs between the seating surface 1276 and an inner curved,annular, radiused or semi-spherical surface 1286. The surface 1286 issized and shaped to slidingly and pivotally mate with and ultimately fixagainst the annular domed surface 1226 of the shank upper portion 1214.Thus, a radius of the surface 1286 is the same or substantially similarto the radius of the surface 1226. The surface 1286 may include aroughening or surface finish to aid in frictional contact between thesurface 1286 and the surface 1226, once a desired angle of articulationof the shank 1206 with respect to the receiver 1207 is reached. Adjacentto the inner surface 1286 is a bottom rim or edge 1288. Adjacent to theouter cylindrical surface 1280 of the arms 1272 is a substantiallyfrusto-conical surface 1290 that extends inwardly toward the lower rim1288. The surface 1290 includes portions of the arms 1272 as well aspartially defining the pressure insert body 1270.

The pressure inset body 1270 located between the arms 1272 has an outerdiameter slightly smaller than a diameter between crests of the guideand advancement structure 1242 of the receiver 1207 allowing for toploading of the compression insert 1209 into the receiver 1207 throughthe U-shaped channel 1238, with the arms 1272 being located between thearms 1234 and 1235 during insertion of the insert 1209 into the receiver1207 (see FIG. 87). As explained above, once located between the guideand advancement structure 1242 and the shank upper portion 1214, theinsert 1209 is rotated into place about the axis C until the arms 1272are directly below the guide and advancement structure 1242 at or nearthe run-out 1253 and the structure 1294 abuts against the wall 1255 ofthe recess 1254. After the insert 1209 is rotated into such position, atool (not shown) may be inserted into the receiver apertures 1244 topress the thin receiver walls 1245 into the insert recesses 1282. Thelower compression insert 1209 is sized such that the insert 1209 isultimately received within the cylindrical surface 1252 of the receiver1207 below the guide and advancement structure 1242. The receiver 1207fully receives the lower compression insert 1209 and blocks thestructure 1209 from spreading or splaying in any direction. It is notedthat assembly of the shank 1206 with the retainer 1208 within thereceiver 1207, followed by insertion of the lower compression insert1209 into the receiver 1207 are assembly steps typically performed atthe factory, advantageously providing a surgeon with a polyaxial bonescrew with the lower insert 1209 already held in alignment with thereceiver 1207 and thus ready for insertion into a vertebra.

The compression or pressure insert 1209 ultimately seats on the surface1226 of the shank upper portion 1214 and is disposed substantially inthe upper cylindrical portion 1252 of the cavity 1247, with the receiverdeformable walls 1245 engaging the insert 1209 at the recesses 1282,thereby cooperating with the walls 1255 of the recesses 1254 to hold theinsert 1207 in desired alignment.

With particular reference to FIGS. 69-71, the closure structure orclosure top 1210 can be any of a variety of different types of closurestructures for use in conjunction with the present invention withsuitable mating structure on the upstanding arms 1234 and 1235. In theembodiment shown, the closure top 1210 is rotatably received between thespaced arms 1234 and 1235 of the receiver 1207. The illustrated closurestructure 1210 is substantially cylindrical and includes an outerhelically wound guide and advancement structure 1295 in the form of aflange form that operably joins with the guide and advancement structure1242 of the receiver 1207. The flange form utilized in accordance withthe present invention may take a variety of forms, including thosedescribed in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,689, which is incorporatedherein by reference. It is also foreseen that according to the inventionthe closure structure guide and advancement structure couldalternatively be a buttress thread, a square thread, a reverse anglethread or other thread like or non-thread like helically woundadvancement structure for operably guiding under rotation and advancingthe closure structure 1210 downward between the arms 1234 and 1235 andhaving such a nature as to resist splaying of the arms 1234 and 1235when the closure structure 1210 is advanced into the channel 1238. Theillustrated closure structure 1210 also includes a top surface 1296 withan internal drive 1297 in the form of an aperture that is illustrated asa star-shaped internal drive, but may be, for example, a hex-shapeddrive or other internal drives, including, but not limited to slotted,tri-wing, spanner, two or more apertures of various shapes, and thelike. A driving tool (not shown) sized and shaped for engagement withthe internal drive 1297 is used for both rotatable engagement and, ifneeded, disengagement of the closure 210 from the receiver arms 1234 and1235. It is also foreseen that the closure structure 1210 mayalternatively include a break-off head designed to allow such a head tobreak from a base of the closure at a preselected torque, for example,70 to 140 inch pounds. Such a closure structure would also include abase having an internal drive to be used for closure removal. A bottomsurface 1298 of the closure top 1210 is planar and is sized and shapedto engage the sleeve 1005 or the sleeve 1007 at respective surfaces 1038and 1106.

The closure top 1210 may further include a cannulation through boreextending along a central axis thereof and through a surface of thedrive 1297 and the bottom surface 1298. Such a through bore provides apassage through the closure 1210 interior for a length of wire (notshown) inserted therein to provide a guide for insertion of the closuretop into the receiver arms 1234 and 1235.

When the polyaxial bone screw assembly 1201 is placed in use inaccordance with the invention the retainer 1208 is normally insertedabout the shank at or near the neck 1220 by spreading the retainer 1208,moving the surfaces 1260 and 1261 away from one another and enlargingthe gap therebetween so that the retainer surfaces 1260 and 1261 clearthe area of the neck 1220 until the retainer 1208 substantiallysurrounds the shank 1206 at or near the neck 1220. Thereafter, theretainer is squeezed or pressed, bringing the surfaces 1260 and 1261into contact or close proximity as shown in FIG. 80. Thereafter, theshank 1206 and compressed retainer 1208 are inserted into the receiver1208 at the receiver neck 1250 and up into the receiver cavity 1247where the retainer 1208 is released and allowed to return to an originalshape with a gap between the surfaces 1260 and 1261. The shank upperportion 1214 is then pulled axially downwardly toward the receiver neck1250 with the surface 1257 of the retainer 1208 sliding along thefrusto-conical surface 1222 of the shank upper portion 1214 until theretainer notch 1262 engages the shank upper portion undercut 1224 withthe retainer spherical surface 1263 surrounding a portion of the domedsurface 1226 of the shank upper portion 1214 as shown, for example, inFIG. 81. At this point there is no substantial outward or downwardpressure on the retainer 1208 and so the retainer 1208 is easilyrotatable along with the now attached shank 1206 within the chamber 1247and such rotation is of a ball and socket type wherein the angle ofrotation is only restricted by engagement of the shank neck 1220 withthe neck 1250 of the receiver 1207.

Then, the insert 1209 is inserted into the channel 1238 with the arms1272 aligned in the channel 1238 between the guide and advancementstructures) 242. The insert 1209 is then moved downwardly in the channel1238 and toward the cavity 1247. With reference to FIGS. 87-88, once thearms 1272 are located generally below the guide and advancementstructure 1242 and adjacent the run-out relief 1253, the insert 1209 isrotated 90 degrees in a clockwise direction about the axis C of thereceiver 1207. The arms 1272 fit within the cylindrical walls 1252 abovethe cavity 1247. Once the structures 1294 abut against the walls 1255,the arms 1272 are desirably located directly below the guide andadvancement structures 1242, rotation is ceased and a tool (not shown)is used to press the thin walls 1245 of the receiver 1207 into therecesses 1282 of the insert 1209. The insert 1209 is now locked intoplace inside the receiver 1207 with the guide and advancement structures1242 prohibiting upward movement of the insert out of the channel 238.

As illustrated in FIG. 71, the insert 1209 seats on the shank upperportion 1214 with the surface 1286 in sliding engagement with thesurface 1226. The run-out or relief 1253 is sized and shaped to allowfor some upward and downward movement of the insert 1209 toward and awayfrom the shank upper portion 1214 such that the shank 1206 is freelypivotable with respect to the receiver 1207 until the closure structure1210 presses on the sleeve 1005 or the sleeve 1007 that in turn presseson the insert 1209 that in turn presses upon the upper portion 1214 intolocking frictional engagement with the receiver 1207 at the surface1248.

The resulting assembly is then normally screwed into a bone, such asvertebra, by rotation of the shank 1206 using a suitable driving tool(not shown) that operably drives and rotates the shank 1206 byengagement thereof at the internal drive 1231.

The assembly 1001 may be assembled as follows: First, after the two bonescrews 1025 are implanted, the distance between the screws is measured.Thereafter, the spacer/liner combination 1010 (or in some embodiments aspacer without the liner) is cut to a desired length based upon themeasurement made between the bone screws. As described above, the spacer1012 and the optional liner 1013 that form the spacer/liner combination1010 are typically assembled at the factory, with the liner 1013 beingfixed to the spacer 1012 along the spacer inner cylindrical surface1072. The spacer/liner combination 1010 is cut at the spacer end 1076(that is also the liner end 1096) that is opposite the graduated end ofthe spacer 1012. A tool (not shown), similar to a pipe cutter is usuallyused to rotate and cut the spacer/liner combination 1010 to the desiredlength. Also at this time, in view of the resulting spacer/liner 1010length, a sleeve 1007 of a desired size is chosen. Because the sleeve1007 is made from a hard material, typically a metal or metal alloy, itis not practical to cut the tube portion 1100 of the sleeve 1007 to adesired length during the surgical procedure. Therefore, a variety ofsleeves 1007 are typically provided to end users having at least threedifferent tube portion 1100 lengths. See, for example, FIG. 95 thatshows three different sizes of a sleeve 1307, 1307′ and 1307″ of theassembly 1301 which are sleeves identical in form and function to thesleeve 1007 and differing only in their length.

With particular reference to FIGS. 47 and 48, the sleeve 1005 is thenslid onto the cord 1022 at the cord end 1194, with the end 1194 beinginserted into the through bore 1034 at the sleeve end 1046 and out thesleeve end 1064. The sleeve 1005 is then fed along the cord 1022 untilthe sleeve end 1052 is adjacent the enlarged cord end 1192. It is notedthat the cord 1022 is typically much longer than shown in the drawingfigures and then cut to length near the end 1194 after being fullyassembled with the remaining elements of the assembly 1001, tensionedand fixed to the blocker 1018. After the sleeve 1005 is in place on thecord 1022, the spacer/liner combination 1010 is loaded with the cord end1194 being inserted into the flared opening 1080 at the end 1074, theinner cylindrical surface 1082, the inner cylindrical surface 1084 andthereafter, the liner bore 1092 and out the liner end 1096 and spacerend 1076. The spacer/liner combination 1010 is slid along the cord 1022until the end 1074 contacts the tubular extension 1032 of the sleeve1005. A tensioning device (not shown) is typically needed to push and/orpull the spacer 1012 against and over portions of the tubular extension1032 of the sleeve 1005 until the surface 1074 of the spacer abuts thesurface 1047 of the sleeve flange 1037, the inner cylindrical surface1082 of the spacer 1012 fully engages the outer cylindrical surface 1056of the tubular extension 1032 and the inner cylindrical surface 1084 ofthe spacer 1012 fully engages the outer cylindrical surface 1060 of thetubular extension 1032. At this time, the sleeve 1005 is fixed againstthe spacer 1012 and both the spacer/liner combination 1010 and thesleeve 1005 are in sliding relationship with the cord 1022. It may benecessary to warm the spacer 1012 prior to assembly with the tubularextension 1032 to allow for stretching and expansion of the spacer 1012graduated inner surface (surfaces 1080, 1082, 1084, and 1086) to fitabout the knob defined by the tubular extension annular wall 1058 andcylindrical surface 1060. The sleeve 1007 is then loaded with the cordend 1194 being inserted into the through bore 1104 at the openingsurface 1131 near the end 1128 and out the opening 1125 at the endsurface 1124. The sleeve 1007 is then slid along the cord 1022 with thetubular extension 1100 sliding into the liner bore 1092. Thereafter, theblocker 1018 with pre-attached bumper 1016 and loosely mated set screw1019 (as shown in FIGS. 65-67) is loaded onto the cord 1022 with thecord end 1194 being inserted into the bumper bore 1152 at the openinglocated near the bumper end 1144 and exiting the blocker bore openingnear the end surface 1178. The bumper 1016 and attached blocker 1018 areslid along the cord 1022 until the bumper end 1144 abuts against thesleeve 1007 flange 1112 end surface 1124. The resulting loosely heldtogether assembly as shown, for example, in FIG. 48, is now ready forpre-tensioning or for placement in and between the implanted bone screws1025, followed by tensioning, with the set screw 1019 engaged with thecord 1022 enough to prevent the elements from slipping off of the cord1022. It is noted that the cord 1022 is typically much longer at thistime (than shown in FIG. 48) so that the cord may be grasped andtensioned either before or after the assembly is fixed to the bonescrews 1025. If pre-tensioning is desired, at this time, prior toimplanting the assembly, a tensioning tool (not shown) known in the artis used to pull upon and put tension on the cord 1022 near the end 1194.The cord 1022 is preferably tensioned until the bumper compresses asshown in FIGS. 45, 46 and 72 and then the set screw 1019 is rotated anddriven into the blocker 1018 and up against the cord 1022 using adriving tool (not shown) engaged with the inner drive 1189.

The assembly 1001 (either pre-tensioned or in a loosely attachedorientation) is implanted by inserting the sleeve 1005 body portion 1038into one of the bone screws 1025 with the receiver 1207 being receivedbetween the two flanges 1036 and 1037 and placing the sleeve 1007 bodyportion 1106 into another of the bone screws 1025 with the respectivereceiver 1207 being received between the two flanges 1110 and 1112.Closure tops 1210 are then inserted into and advanced between the arms1234 and 1235 of each of the receivers 1207 so as to bias or pushagainst the sleeve 1005 and the sleeve 1007 at respective surfaces 1038and 1106. A driving tool (not shown) is inserted into each drive 1297 torotate and drive the respective closure top 1210 into the cooperatingreceiver 1207. Each shank dome 1226 is engaged by the cooperating insert1209 and pushed downwardly when the closure top 1210 pushes downwardlyon the sleeve 1005 or sleeve 1007. The downward pressure on the shank1206 in turn urges the retainer 1208 downwardly which exerts both adownward and outward thrust on the retainer 1208 until the retainersurface 1265 fully frictionally engages the receiver inner seatingsurface 1248. Two polyaxial bone screws 1025, including the dynamicconnecting member assembly 1001, are shown in FIGS. 45 and 72,illustrating various shank 1206 to receiver 1207 angular configurations.

If the assembly 1001 has not been pre-tensioned, or if furthertensioning is desired, a tensioning tool (not shown) known in the art isthen used to pull upon and put tension on the cord 1022 near the end1194. The cord 1022 is preferably tensioned until the bumper compressesas shown in FIGS. 45 and 72 and then the set screw 1019 is rotated anddriven into the blocker 1018 and up against the cord 1022 using adriving tool (not shown) engaged with the inner drive 1189. The blocker1018 advantageously includes opposed planar sides allowing for theplacement of a counter-torque tool for holding the blocker 1018 duringtensioning and fixing of the cord 1022 within the blocker. As explainedabove, the set screw 1019 and blocker 1018 combination include a limitedtravel feature such that the set screw 1019 is locked into place at alocation that firmly holds but does not damage the cord 1022. The cord1022 is then trimmed to a desired length near the blocker end 1178.

The assembly 1001 is thus substantially dynamically loaded and orientedrelative to the cooperating vertebra, providing relief (e.g., shockabsorption) and protected movement with respect to flexion, extension,distraction and compressive forces placed on the assembly 1001 and thetwo connected bone screws 1025. The flanges of the sleeves 1005 and1007, now located outside of the bone screw receivers 1207 are fullyabuttingly engaged with the spacer/liner combination 1010 and/or thebumper 1016, thus fully supporting compression between the spacer 1012or the bumper 1016 during flexion and extension. Furthermore, duringcomplex spinal movements, the spacer 1012 and 1016 are able to move orflex away from and towards the flanges 1036, 1037 and 1110, 1112 withoutcompromising the strength and integrity of the assembly 1001. It isnoted that a problem encountered with dynamic spinal implant systems isthe need to provide adequate support with respect to bending sheer. Mostspinal movements are not purely bending movements, e.g., flexion andextension. Most movements include both bending and tension, extension orcompression. Such bending shear is not well resisted by a cord andspacer alone that performs well in tension, but not when the tensionincludes a vector force. The present invention advantageously provides ahard, non-elastic extension 1100 of a rigid sliding sleeve body 1099,the extension 1100 further located within a non-elastic liner 1013 ofthe spacer 1012. Such features protect against vector forces while stillallowing for advantageous tension of the cord 1022 as well as improvedcompression provided by the outer bumper 1016. The cord 1022 and thesleeve 1007 allow for some twisting or turning, providing some relieffor torsional stresses. Furthermore, the compressed bumper 1016 and thefixed contact between the sleeve 1005 and the spacer 1012 as well as thefixed contact between the bumper 1016 and the blocker 1018 places somelimits on torsional movement as well as bending movement, to providespinal support. The cord 1022 (in tension) and bumper 1016 (incompression) allow for compression and some extension of the assembly1001 located between the two bone screws 1025, e.g., shock absorption.Another advantage of some of the embodiments of the present invention isthat because of the inelastic sleeve extension that slides within thetypically elastic spacer located between two bone screws, the resultingassembly 1001 is more stable than a cord and spacer alone, thereforestrength of the assembly does not rely upon the amount of tension placedupon the cord. Therefore, in certain embodiments according to theinvention, it is not necessary to place as much tension on the cord 1022as would be required for a more traditional cord and spacer arrangement,thus protecting the cord from damage of over stressing.

It is also noted that in other embodiments of a connecting member 1001according to the invention, the sleeve 1005 may be extended at the end1046 to provide a hard, non-elastic elongate portion for attachment toan additional bone screw or screws, if needed, to provide a connectingmember with both dynamic, elastic segments as well as a longer rigidinelastic segment.

If removal of the assembly 1001 from any of the bone screw assemblies1025 is necessary, or if it is desired to release the assembly 1001 at aparticular location, disassembly is accomplished by using the drivingtool (not shown) with a driving formation cooperating with the closurestructure 1210 internal drive 1297 to rotate and remove the closurestructure 1210 from the receiver 1207. Disassembly is then accomplishedin reverse order to the procedure described previously herein forassembly.

Eventually, if the spine requires more rigid support, the connectingmember assembly 1001 according to the invention may be removed andreplaced with another longitudinal connecting member, such as a solidrod or bar, having the same width or diameter as body portions of thesleeves 1005 and 1007, utilizing the same receivers 1207 and the same orsimilar closure structures 1210. Alternatively, if less support iseventually required, a less rigid, more flexible assembly, for example,an assembly 1001 having a spacer 1012 and bumper 1016 made of a softermore compressible material than the spacer and bumper being replacedthereby, also utilizing the same bone screws 1025.

With reference to FIGS. 89-95, an alternative longitudinal connectingmember assembly according to the invention, generally 1301, for use withthree bone screws 1025 includes a first sleeve 1305, a second sleeve1307, a third sleeve 1309, a first spacer/liner combination 1310 and asecond spacer/liner combination 1311. The first spacer/liner combination1310 includes an outer spacer 1312 and an inner liner 1313 and thesecond spacer/liner combination 1311 includes an outer spacer 1314 andan inner liner 1315. The illustrated spacer/liner combination 1311 isidentical to the spacer/liner combination 1310 with the exception of alength thereof along a central axis A′. The assembly 1301 furtherincludes a bumper 1316, a cord blocker 1318 and mating set screw 1319and a cord 1322. The assembly 1301 is substantially similar to theassembly 1001 with the exception of the addition of the third sleeve1309 and the second spacer/liner combination 1311. Thus, the firstsleeve 1305, the second sleeve 1307, the first spacer/liner combination1310, the bumper 1316, the cord blocker 1318, the set screw 1319 and thecord 1322 are the same or substantially similar to the respective firstsleeve 1005, second sleeve 1007, spacer/liner combination 1010, bumper1016, cord blocker 1018, set screw 1019 and cord 1022 of the assembly1001 previously discussed above and thus shall not be discussed furtherherein. Although only one additional sleeve 3109 (and attached bonescrew 1025) and cooperating spacer/liner 1311 are illustrated in thedrawings, it is noted that the assembly 1301 of the invention may belengthened further and adapted for use with additional bone screws bysimply adding more sleeves 1309 and cooperating spacer/liners 1311 (oroptionally spacers without liners) between the sleeve 1305 and thesleeve 1307.

With particular reference to FIGS. 91-94, the sleeve 1309 includes abody portion 1330 generally sized and shaped for being received withinthe polyaxial bone screw 1025 and a first tubular extension 1332 sizedand shaped to engage and hold the spacer 1312 in fixed engagement withthe sleeve 1309. The sleeve also includes a second opposed tubularextension 1333 sized and shaped to be slidingly received by thespacer/liner combination 1311. The illustrated body portion 1330 andtubular extensions 1332 and 1333 are integral or otherwise fixed to oneanother. A through bore 1334 extends centrally through the body portion1330 and centrally through both the tubular extensions 1332 and 1333along the axis A′. The bore 1334 is sized and shaped to slidinglyreceive the cord 1322 and when assembled with a remainder of theassembly 1301, also extending along the axis A′. The body portion 1330further includes a cylindrical body surface 1338 located betweenradially extending flanges 1340 and 1342, the flanges also beingcylindrical in shape. The flanges 1340 and 1342 further includerespective inner planar surfaces 1344 and 1346, respective outercylindrical surfaces 1348 and 1350 and respective outer planar surfaces1352 and 1354. The flanges 1340 and 1342 are spaced from one another adesired distance so as to closely receive a bone screw receiver 1207therebetween. The flanges 1340 and 1342 are thus identical orsubstantially similar in form and function to the flanges 1036 and 1037of the sleeve 1005 and the flanges 1110 and 1112 of the sleeve 1007previously described herein with respect to the assembly 1001.

The outer planar surface 1354 is adjacent to a tapered surface 1355 thatextends toward and terminates at a first cylindrical surface 1356 of thetubular extension 1332. The outer cylindrical surface 1356 terminates ata radially extending annular wall 1358 that is perpendicular thereto.The wall 1358 terminates at a second substantially cylindrical surface1360 of greater outer diameter than the cylindrical surface 1356. Thesurface 1360 terminates at an annular inwardly tapering beveled surface1362. The bevel 1362 is adjacent to a planar annular end surface 1364that is disposed perpendicular to the cylindrical surface 1360. Thesurface 1364 is adjacent to a flared or beveled surface 1365 thatdefines an opening of the bore 1334. The surfaces 1356, 1358 and 1360provide a push-on connective element for attachment to inner surfaces ofthe spacer 1312. The sleeves 1305, 1307, 1309, the liners 1313 and 1315and the cord blocker 1318 with set screw 1319 may be made from a varietyof inelastic materials, including, but not limited to metals, metalalloys, including cobalt chromium, and inelastic plastics including, butnot limited to plastic polymers such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK),ultra-high-molecular weight-polyethylene (UHMWP), polyurethanes andcomposites, including composites containing carbon fiber and layers ofdifferent materials.

Near the tubular structure 1333, the flange 1340 outer planar surface1352 is adjacent to a tapered surface 1366 that extends toward andterminates at a cylindrical surface 1367 of the tubular extension 1333.The outer cylindrical surface 1367 extends toward an annular planar endsurface 1368 that is perpendicular thereto. A beveled surface 1370 spansbetween the cylindrical surface 1367 and the end surface 1368. The endsurface 1368 terminates at an inner flared surface 1371, the surface1371 defining an opening of the bore 1334. Upon assembly with the spacer1314/liner 1315 combination, the cylindrical surface 1367 is in slidablerelationship with the inner surface of the liner 1315. A desirablematerial for both the liner 1315 and the tubular extension 1333 iscobalt chromium. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the invention, inorder to have low or no wear debris, the liner 1315 inner surface andthe outer surface 1367 of the tubular extension 1333 may be coated withan ultra thin, ultra hard, ultra slick and ultra smooth coating, such asmay be obtained from ion bonding techniques and/or other gas or chemicaltreatments.

As stated above, the spacer/liner combination 1311 is identical to thespacer/liner combination 1310 with the exception of length along theaxis A′. Thus, the spacer/liner combination 1311 is identical orsubstantially similar to the spacer/liner combination 1010 previouslydescribed herein. With reference to FIG. 90, during assembly, the spacer1312 is press-fitted over the tubular extension 1332 of the sleeve 1309while the spacer 1314 is press fitted over the tubular extension of thesleeve 1305. Thus, the elements are loaded onto the cord 1322 asfollows: the sleeve 1305, followed by the spacer/liner combination 1311,followed by the sleeve 1309, followed by the spacer/liner combination1312 followed by the sleeve 1307, followed by the bumper 1316 andattached blocker 1318 with set screw 1319. The assembly 1301 isimplanted with each of the sleeves 1305, 1307 and 1309 being attached toa bone screw 1025 as shown in FIG. 90. Either before or after thesleeves are attached to the bone screws 1025, the cord 1322 is tensionedas previously described with respect to the assembly 1001. Thus, thefully assembled and dynamically loaded assembly 1301 allows fortranslation of the receivers 1207 of all three of the bone screws 1025along the tensioned cord 1322 while at the same time all three sleeves1305, 1307 and 1309 are fixedly coupled to a respective bone screwreceiver 1207. Furthermore, the tubular extension 1333 of the sleeve1309 as well as the tubular extension of the sleeve 1307 glide withinspacer/liner combinations 1310 and 1311, protecting the assembly frombending shear forces while allowing for the desired movement of allthree screws 1025 with respect to the tensioned cord 1322.

With reference to FIG. 95, a portion of a kit according to the inventionis shown showing three different sized sleeves 1307, the shortest beingidentified as 1307, a mid-length sleeve as 1307′ and a longer sleeve as1307″. The kit also illustrates three different sized sleeves 1309 withthe shortest being identified as 1309, the mid-length sleeve as 1309′and the longest sleeve 1309″. One size sleeve 1305 is illustrated. Thus,as described previously with respect to the assembly 1001, whenutilizing the assembly 1301 a surgeon may choose various lengths ofsleeves 1307 and 1309 that best match the measurements made of distancesbetween a patient's vertebrae.

With reference to FIGS. 96-122 another longitudinal connecting memberassembly according to the present invention, generally 2401 is shownattached to five polyaxial bone screws 2001. Generally, each bone screwincludes a shank 2004, a receiver 2010, an open retainer 2012 forholding the shank 2004 upper portion 2008 within the receiver 2010 andan insert 2014 having a substantially planar top surface for engagementwith sleeves of the assembly 2401. The connecting member assembly 2401is elongate, having a substantially central axis F. With particularreference to FIGS. 96-99, the illustrated connecting member assembly2401 generally includes at least first, second and third hard, inelasticflanged sleeves 2405, 2406 and 2407 with a first spacer/linercombination, generally 2410, a second spacer/liner combination,generally 2411 and a third spacer 2412 located therebetween. It is notedthat the spacer/liner combinations may be replaced by a spacer alone inother embodiments of the invention. The illustrated first spacer/linercombination 2410 includes an outer spacer 2413 and an inner liner 2414and the second spacer/line combination 2411 includes an outer spacer2415 and an inner liner 2416. The assembly 2401 further includes anelastic bumper 2417, a cord blocker 2418 with cooperating set screw 2419and an inner core that in the present embodiment is a cord 2422. Theassembly 2401 further includes a cord/rod coupler 2424 and a threadedrod 2425. The cord 2422 extends from the cord/rod coupler 2424 along theaxis F and successively through and within the spacer 2412, the sleeve2407, the spacer 2415, the sleeve 2406 (and spacer/liner 2411), thespacer 2413, the sleeve 2405 (and spacer/liner 2410), the bumper 2417and the cord blocker 2418 as shown, for example, in FIG. 99. In FIGS. 96and 99, the assembly 2401 is shown attached to three polyaxial bonescrews, generally 2001, described more fully below at the sleeves 2405,2406 and 2407. As best shown in FIG. 99, two of the bone screws 2001 areattached to the sleeves 2405 and 2406 with a slide or slipping closuretop 2430 and one of the bone screws is attached to the sleeve 2407 witha gripping closure top 2431. As will be discussed in greater detailbelow, the slide or slip closure top 2430 engages a respective sleevebut not the cord 2422, allowing the cord to slip or slide within thepolyaxial screw 2001. The grip closure top 2431 extends through thesleeve and grips and fixes the cord 2422 against a surface of the sleeveand thus fixes the cord in relation to the polyaxial screw 2001.Finally, two of the illustrated bone screws 2001 are attached to the rod2425 with a point and rim closure top 2432. The closure tops 2430, 2431and 2432 are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 117-122.

A portion of the sleeve 2405 extends into and through the spacer/liner2410 and is in slidable relationship therewith. Likewise, a portion ofthe sleeve 2406 extends into and through the spacer/liner 2411. Suchspacer overlap with respect to the sleeves 2405 and 2406 providesadvantageous anti-shear support for the connector 2401. A portion of thecord blocker 2418 also extends into a bore of the bumper 2417. Thebumper 2417 is typically made from an elastomer while the outer spacers2412, 2413 and 2415, although typically elastomeric, may be made from amaterial with a different durometer, typically (but not always) beingtougher and less compressible than the material of the bumper 2417. Thesleeves 2405, 2406 and 2407 and the spacer liners 2414 and 2416 are madefrom a hard, non-elastic material, such as a metal or metal alloy, likecobalt chromium. The hard and stiff sliding sleeves 2405 and 2406 eachinclude an extension that slides into the respective liner 2414 and2416, providing a dynamic no- or low-wear, sliding relationship betweenthe sleeves and respective cooperating liners that is non-binding, andprovides excellent shear resistance while at the same time, the optionalthin liners 2414 and 2416 cooperating with the respective elastomericspacers 2412, 2413 and 2415 as well as the tensioned cord 2422 providecontrolled bending, with the tensioned cord 2422 and compressed bumper2417, performing well under tension and compression. Flanged portions ofthe sleeves 2405, 2406 and 2407 are located on either side of the bonescrew receivers 2010, the flanges abutting against the spacers 2412,2413, 2415 or the bumper 2417, the flanges extending radially outwardlyto an extent to fully engage ends of adjacent spacers or the bumper2417, resulting in a stable, secure, substantially full contact betweenthe individual elements of the assembly 2401. Furthermore, the flangesallow for assembly and dynamic setting of the assembly prior toimplantation, if desired, with the cord 2422 being placed in tension andat least the bumper 2417 being placed in compression. In someembodiments of the invention, tensioning of the cord 2422 andcompression of the bumper 2417 and optionally the spacers 2412, 2413 and2415 may be performed after the assembly 2401 is attached to the bonescrews 2001. It is noted that in some embodiments of the invention, thebumper 2417 and cooperating blocker 2418 may be eliminated and agripping closure top 2431 may be inserted at an end or terminal bonescrew 2001 for gripping and fixing the cord in tension.

With particular reference to FIGS. 100-104, the sleeve 2405 furtherincludes a body portion 2434 generally sized and shaped for beingreceived within the polyaxial bone screw 2001 receiver 2010 and atubular extension 2435 sized and shaped to be slidingly received in thespacer/liner combination 2410. The illustrated body portion 2434 andtubular extension 2435 are integral or otherwise fixed to one another. Athrough bore 2436 extends centrally through the body portion 2434 andcentrally through the tubular extension 2435. The bore 2436 is sized andshaped to slidingly receive the cord 2422 and when assembled with aremainder of the assembly 2401, extends along the axis F. The bodyportion 2434 further includes a pair of spaced radially extendingflanges 2437 and 2438 with a partially cylindrical and partially planarbody portion being located therebetween, the body portion having anenlarged or protruding portion or portions illustrated as opposedsubstantially cylindrical extensions 2439, sized and shaped to closelyfit within a cylindrical surface portion of the bone screw receiver2010. The portions 2439 function to center the sleeve within the bonescrew receiver 2010 and also advantageously strengthen the sleeve,resulting in better load transfer. It is foreseen that in someembodiments of the invention, the body 2434 with centering structure2439 may be configured to also extend down into the receiver and abutthe bone screw shank upper portion 2008 and thus eliminate thecompression insert 2014. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the flanges2437 and 2438 may be reduced or eliminated as the centering of thesleeve with respect to the bone screw receiver 2010 is performed by theportion or portions 2439.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 2437 and 2438 aresubstantially cylindrical having opposed planar and annular sidesurfaces spaced for closely receiving the bone screw 2001 receiver 2010.The flange 2437 also defines an end of the sleeve while the flange 2438is located at a juncture of the body 2434 and the tubular extension2435. The body portion 2439 is sized and shaped to be receivable withinand frictionally fixed to a variety of monoaxial or polyaxial screwheads or receivers, including the receiver 2010. At an end 2440, thesleeve 2405 (and optional liner) may be cut to length. A bore 2441 isformed in the body 2434 between the flanges 2437 and 2438, the bore 2441communicating with the through bore 2436. The bore 2439 is sized andshaped to receive the closure top 2431 therein for frictionally grippingthe cord 2422 against an internal surface defining the through bore2436, and thus placing the cord 2422 in fixed relation with the bonescrew receiver 2010, if desired.

The sleeve 2405, as well as the sleeves 2406 and 2407, the liners 2414and 2416, the cord blocker 2418 with set screw 2419 and the cord/rodcoupler 2424 may be made from a variety of inelastic materials,including, but not limited to metals, metal alloys, including cobaltchromium, and inelastic plastics including, but not limited to plasticpolymers such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ultra-high-molecularweight-polyethylene (UHMWP), polyurethanes and composites, includingcomposites containing carbon fiber and layers of different materials.

The spacers 2412, 2413 and 2415 are each substantially cylindrical inform, having outer cylindrical surfaces and inner through bores of asubstantially constant inner diameter for receiving a sleeve portionand/or liner 2414 or 2416 and having graduated or various innerdiameters at an end thereof for overlapping and fixing to a sleeve orthe cord/rod coupler. The optional liner 2414 closely fits within thethrough bore of the spacer 2413 and the liner optional 2416 closely fitswithin the through bore of the spacer 2415. In fact, the spacer/linercombination 2410 and the spacer/liner combination 2411 are typicallyassembled or manufactured with the respective liner being fixed to theinner surface defining the bore of the spacer such that a surgeonreceives such a spacer/liner combination already assembled and ready forthe surgeon to cut the spacer/liner combination to a desired length at anon-graduated end thereof that is adhered or otherwise fixed the liner,as will be described in greater detail below. The spacers 2412, 2413 and2415 are typically elastic and made from a plastic, for example, athermoplastic elastomer made from a polyurethane or polyurethane blend,such as a polycarbonate urethane. The spacers 2413 and 2415 includerespective various and graduated inner end surfaces 2442 and 2443 thatare sized and shaped to be press fit over a knobbed feature of anadjacent sleeve or cord/rod coupler as will be described in greaterdetail below. The spacer 2412 also includes such a knob receivingfeature on one or both ends thereof.

The optional inelastic liners 2414 and 2416 are substantiallycylindrical and tubular in form, having a constant outer cylindricalsurface and a constant inner cylindrical through bore. An end surface ofeach liner is disposed flush to the respective overlapping spacer, suchsurfaces being the cut-to-length side of the spacer/liner combination.The liners 2414 and 2416 may be made from a variety of non-elasticmaterials, including metals, metal alloys and some plastics, with cobaltchromium being a preferred material. As stated above, the innercylindrical surfaces of the liners are sized and shaped to slidinglyreceive a tubular extension of the inelastic sleeves 2405 or 2406.

With particular reference to FIGS. 105-107, the sleeve 2406 includes abody 2444, a tubular extension 2445, a through bore 2446, flanges 2447and 2448 with a centering body portion 2449 therebetween, an end 2450and a closure top receiving bore 2451 that are substantially the same orsimilar in form and function to the respective body 2434, tubularextension 2435, through bore 2436, flanges 2437 and 2438, body portion2439, end 2440 and closure top receiving bore 2441 previously describedherein with respect to the sleeve 2405. Unlike the sleeve 2405 whereinthe flange 2437 defines one end of the sleeve, the sleeve 2406 includesa knobbed structure 2452 disposed near the flange 2447 and opposite theend 2450. The knobbed structure 2452 provides a push-on connectiveelement for attachment to inner graduated surfaces 2442 of the spacer2413. It is noted that more than one size of sleeve 2405 and/or 2406 istypically provided to the surgeon, the sleeves differing only in thelength of the tubular extension 2435 or 2445, so as to appropriatelymatch the size of the patient's spine. Also, a desirable material forboth the liners and the sleeve tubular extensions is cobalt chromium.Furthermore, in some embodiments of the invention, in order to have lowor no wear debris, the liner inner surface and the outer surfaces of thesleeve tubular extensions may be coated with an ultra thin, ultra hard,ultra slick and ultra smooth coating, such as may be obtained from ionbonding techniques and/or other gas or chemical treatments. It isfurther noted that inner surfaces of the sleeves that receive the cord2422 may also be likewise coated to provide a slick, low to no weardebris interface with the cord 2422.

With particular reference to FIGS. 108-110, the sleeve 2407 includes abody 2454, a through bore 2456, flanges 2457 and 2458 with a centeringbody portion 2459 therebetween, and a closure top receiving bore 2461that are substantially the same or similar in form and function to therespective body 2434, through bore 2436, flanges 2437 and 2438, bodyportion 2439, and closure top receiving bore 2441 previously describedherein with respect to the sleeve 2405. Unlike the sleeves 2405 or 2406,the sleeve 2407 includes knobbed structures 2460 and 2462 disposed ateither end thereof. The knobbed structures 2460 and 2462 are the same orsimilar to the knobbed structure 2452 described above with respect tothe sleeve 2406, providing a push-on connective element for attachmentto inner graduated surfaces 2443 of the spacer 2415 and slidableconnection to an inner surface of the spacer 2412. It is foreseen thatthe spacer 2412 may include graduated surfaces to provide for a fixed orpress fit connection between the sleeve 2407 and the spacer 2412.

The bumper 2417 is substantially cylindrical and tubular in form, havingan outer cylindrical surface and an inner, graduated through bore. Thebumper 2417 has opposed substantially planar annular end surfaces. Aninner cylindrical surface of the bore is sized and shaped to closelyreceive a tubular extension of the cord blocker 2418. The bumper 2417 iselastic and may be made from a variety of compressible and stretchablematerials, including, but not limited to natural or synthetic elastomerssuch as polyisoprene (natural rubber), and synthetic polymers,copolymers, and thermoplastic elastomers, for example, polyurethaneelastomers such as polycarbonate-urethane elastomers. In order to havelow or no wear debris, the bumper inner surface may also be coated withan ultra thin, ultra hard, ultra slick and ultra smooth coating, such asmay be obtained from ion bonding techniques and/or other gas or chemicaltreatments.

With reference to FIGS. 97, 113 and 114, the cord blocker 2418 andcooperating set screw 2419 are shown. The blocker 2418 includes a bodyportion 2469 and a tubular extension 2470 sized and shaped to beslidingly received in the bumper 2417. The illustrated body portion 2469and tubular extension 2470 are integral or otherwise fixed to oneanother. A through bore 2474 extends through a lower portion of the bodyportion 2469 and centrally through the tubular extension 2470. The bore2474 is sized and shaped to receive the cord 2422 and when assembledwith a remainder of the assembly 2401 extends along the axis F. Formedin the body portion 2469 is a threaded bore 2475 sized and shaped toreceive and threadably mate with a thread of the set screw 2419. Thethreaded bore 2475 communicates with the through bore 2474 and issubstantially perpendicular thereto. A surface 2476 partially definingthe bore 2474 includes a depression 2477, sized and shaped for receivingthe cord 2422 therein when the set screw 2419 engages the cord 2422. Thesleeves 2405, 2406 and 2407 also include such a depression for receivingthe cord 2422 within bores thereof when the grip closure top 2431 isused to clamp the cord 2422 within the sleeve without damaging ordestroying the cord 2422.

It is noted that the blocker 2418 and set screw 2419 combination istypically provided with the bumper 2417 pre-attached thereto and handledas a unit assembly. Thus, prior to being received by the surgeon, thebumper 2417 is wedged and in some cases adhered or otherwise fixed ontothe tubular extension at the factory, with the inner surface of thebumper frictionally engaging the surface 2470 of the blocker 2418 andthe bumper 2417 abutting against and fixed to the blocker body 2469.

With reference to FIGS. 97, 111 and 112, the cord/rod coupler 2424 isshown. The coupler 2424 includes a centrally located cylindrical bodyportion 2479 a tubular extension 2480 having an inner thread 2481 formating with a thread 2482 of a hard surfaced rod 2425 and a knob feature2483 sized and shaped for press fit engagement with the spacer 2412. Acentral bore 2485 extends through the knob, body and tubular extension,the thread 2481 partially defining the bore 2485. The bore 2485 is sizedand shaped to receive the cord 2422 and when assembled with a remainderof the assembly 2401 extends along the axis F. Formed in the bodyportion 2479 is a recess 2486 sized and shaped to hold an end knot orknob 2488 of the cord 2422 therein, the bore 2485 located at the knobbedcoupler end 2483 being of smaller diameter than a remainder of the bore2485 and thus forming a restriction, prohibiting movement of the cordknot or knob 2488 from passing into the bore 2485 at the knobbed end2483.

With particular reference to FIG. 97, the illustrated cord 2422 includesan elongate body 2490 with an enlargement shown in the form of a knot orknob 2488 at one end thereof and an opposed cut-to-length end 2494. Theenlarged end 2488 may be created by heating the cord 2422 to melt thecord and create such feature that is slidable through the threadedportion 2481 of the cord/rod coupler 2424 but is otherwise capturedwithin the recess 2486 of the coupler 2424 and is too large to enter thebore 2485 at the knobbed portion 2483 of the coupler 2424. Alternativelya pin may be fixed to the cord 2422. In other embodiments of theinvention that do not include a rod/cord coupler 2424, a blocker and setscrew combination, similar to the blocker 2418 and set screw 2419 may beused to fix the cord 2422 outside of the sleeve 2407 and/or spacer 2412.The cord 2422 may be made from a variety of materials, includingpolyester or other plastic fibers, strands or threads, such aspolyethylene-terephthalate. A cord according to the invention typicallydoes not illustrate elastic properties, such as any significantadditional axial distraction and lengthening after the assembly 2401 isoperatively assembled and the cord is tensioned. However, it is foreseenthat in some embodiments, the cord 2422 may be made of an elastic orsemi-elastic material, such as a plastic or rubber (natural orsynthetic) having at least some elastic properties, allowing for somefurther distraction of the assembly 2401 during operation thereof. Thecore can also be a cable-like structure made of metal.

With reference to FIGS. 117-122, various closure tops for use with thebone screw assemblies 2001 and the connecting assembly 2401 are shown.The bone screw 2432 shown in FIGS. 121 and 122 includes a break-off headdesigned to allow such a head to break from a base of the closure at apreselected torque, for example, 70 to 140 inch pounds. The closurestructure 2432 includes an outer helically wound guide and advancementstructure 2502, a top surface 2504 of the guide and advancementstructure, an internal drive 2506, a bottom surface 2508, a point 2509and a rim 2510. Other than the break-off head, the closure 2432 issubstantially the same as, for example, the closure top 210 describedabove with respect to the assembly 1 and bone screw 25. Located abovethe guide and advancement structure top surface is a break-off head2512. As shown in FIG. 99, the closure tops 2432 engage and penetratethe hard rod portion 2425 of the connector 2401.

With reference to FIGS. 99 and 117 and 118, also cooperating with thebone anchors 2001 is the closure top 2431 having an outer helicallywound guide and advancement structure 2522, a top surface 2524 of theguide and advancement structure, an internal drive 2526 and a break-offhead 2532, the same or similar to the respective guide and advancementstructure 2502, top surface 2504, internal drive 2506 and break-off head2512 previously discussed herein with respect to the closure top 2432.In lieu of the point and rim of the closure top 2432, the closure top2431 has a lower cylindrical portion 2527 having a substantially planarbottom surface 2528. The portion 2527 is sized and shaped to be receivedby the bore 2441, 2451 or 2461 of respective sleeves 2405, 2406 and2407, the bottom surface 2528 pressing the cord 2422 into fixedengagement with the sleeve.

With reference to FIGS. 99 and 119 and 120, also cooperating with thebone anchors 2001 is the closure top 2430 having a an outer helicallywound guide and advancement structure 2542, a top surface 2544 of theguide and advancement structure, an internal drive 2546 and a break-offhead 2552, the same or similar to the respective guide and advancementstructure 2522, top surface 2524, internal drive 2526 and break-off head2532 previously discussed herein with respect to the closure top 2431.The closure top 2430 includes a planar bottom surface 2548 adjacent theguide and advancement structure 2542. As illustrated in FIGS. 98 and 99,the planar bottom surface 2548 remains flush with a corresponding sleevesurface and does not enter into the bore 2441, 2451 or 2461, allowingsliding movement of the cord 2422 with respect to the bone screwreceivers 2010 cooperating with the closure tops 2430.

The assembly 2401 may be assembled as follows: First, after the bonescrews 2001 are implanted, the distance between the screws is measured.Thereafter, the spacer/liner combinations 2410 and 2411 are cut to adesired length based upon the measurement made between the bone screws.A tool (not shown), similar to a pipe cutter is usually used to rotateand cut the spacer/liner combination to the desired length at an endopposite the graduated surfaces of the respective spacer. Also at thistime, in view of the resulting spacer/liner length, cooperating sleeves2405 and 2406 of desired sizes are chosen. Because the sleeves are madefrom a hard material, typically a metal or metal alloy, it is notpractical to cut the tube portions thereof to a desired length duringthe surgical procedure. Therefore, a variety of sleeves 2406 and 2407are typically provided to end users having at least three different tubeportion lengths.

With particular reference to FIG. 97, the cord 2422 is first slid intothe coupler 2424 with the end 2494 being placed within the coupler atthe threaded end 2481, the cord 2422 being fed therethrough until theknobbed end 2488 of the cord is captured within the coupler recess 2486.The rod 2425 threaded end 2482 may be mated with the coupler thread 2481at this time or at the very end of the procedure. The cord 2422 is thensuccessively threaded through the connector elements as shown by thearrow G in FIG. 97, some of the components, such as the spacer linercombinations 2410 and 2411 and the blocker/bumper 2418/2417 having beenpreviously assembled. With reference to FIG. 99, as the cord 2422 isthreaded into the assembly elements, the spacer/liner combinations 2410and 2411 and the spacer 2412 are placed into position covering oroverlapping tubular portions of the sleeves 2405, 2406 and 2407. Thecord 2422 is typically much longer than shown in FIGS. 97 and 99 andthen cut to length near the end 2494 after being fully assembled withthe remaining elements of the assembly 2401, so that the cord may begrasped and tensioned either before or after the assembly 2401 is fixedto the bone screws 2001. If pre-tensioning is desired, at this time,prior to implanting the assembly, a tensioning tool (not shown) known inthe art is used to pull upon and put tension on the cord 2422 near theend 2494. The cord 2422 is preferably tensioned until the bumpercompresses and then the set screw 2419 is rotated and driven into theblocker 2418 and up against the cord 2422 using a driving tool (notshown) engaged with an inner drive of the set screw 2419.

The assembly 2401 (either pre-tensioned or in a loosely attachedorientation) is implanted by inserting the sleeve body portions into thebone screws 2001 with each receiver 2010 being received between the twoflanges of each sleeve. Closure tops 2430 and 2431 are chosen by thesurgeon based upon whether a sliding or a gripping relationship isdesired with the particular receiver 2010.

With reference to FIG. 99, the final tensioned assembly 2401 is shownthat is substantially dynamically loaded and oriented relative to thecooperating vertebra, providing relief (e.g., shock absorption) andprotected movement with respect to flexion, extension, distraction andcompressive forces placed on the assembly 2401 and the connected bonescrews 2001 as well as providing more rigid support at the rod 2425.During complex spinal movements, the spacers 2412, 2413 and 2415 areable to move or flex away from and towards the flanges of the sleeves2405, 2406 and 407 without compromising the strength and integrity ofthe assembly 2401. It is noted that a problem encountered with dynamicspinal implant systems is the need to provide adequate support withrespect to bending sheer. Most spinal movements are not purely bendingmovements, e.g., flexion and extension. Most movements include bothbending and tension, extension or compression. Such bending shear is notwell resisted by a cord and spacer alone that performs well in tension,but not when the tension includes a vector force. The present inventionadvantageously provides a hard, non-elastic extension of a rigid slidingsleeve body, the extension further located within an optionalnon-elastic liner of the spacer 2413 or 2415. Such features protectagainst vector forces while still allowing for advantageous tension ofthe cord 2422 as well as improved compression provided by the outerbumper 2417. The cord 2422 and the sleeves 2405, 2406 and 2407 allow forsome twisting or turning, providing some relief for torsional stresses.Furthermore, the compressed bumper 2417 and the fixed contact betweenthe sleeves and one end of each spacer, as well as the fixed contactbetween the bumper 2417 and the blocker 2418 places some limits ontorsional movement as well as bending movement, to provide spinalsupport. The cord 2422 (in tension) and bumper 2417 (in compression)allow for compression and some extension of the assembly 2401 locatedbetween the two bone screws 2001, e.g., shock absorption. Anotheradvantage of embodiments of the present invention is that because of theinelastic sleeve extension that slides within and is overlapped by thetypically elastic spacer located between two bone screws, the resultingassembly 2401 is more stable than a cord and spacer alone, thereforestrength of the assembly does not rely solely upon the amount of tensionplaced upon the cord. Therefore, in embodiments according to theinvention, it is not necessary to place as much tension on the cord 2422as would be required for a more traditional cord and spacer arrangement,thus protecting the cord from damage of over stressing.

If removal of the assembly 2401 from any of the bone screw assemblies2001 is necessary, or if it is desired to release the assembly 2401 at aparticular location, disassembly is accomplished by using the drivingtool (not shown) with a driving formation cooperating with internaldrives of the closure structures 2430, 2431 and 2432 to rotate andremove such closures from the receivers 2010. Disassembly is thenaccomplished in reverse order to the procedure described previouslyherein for assembly.

Eventually, if the spine requires more rigid support, the connectingmember assembly 2401 according to the invention may be removed andreplaced with another longitudinal connecting member, such as a solidrod or bar, having the same width or diameter as body portions of thesleeves 2405, 2406 and 2407, utilizing the same receivers 2010 and theclosure structures 2432. Alternatively, if less support is eventuallyrequired, a less rigid, more flexible assembly, for example, an assembly2401 having spacers and bumpers made of a softer more compressiblematerial than the spacers and bumpers being replaced thereby, alsoutilizing the same bone screws 2001.

With reference to FIGS. 115-116, an alternative longitudinal connectingmember assembly according to the invention, generally 2401′ isillustrated wherein the sleeve 2407 is replaced by a sleeve 2406′ thatis the same as the sleeve 2406 with the exception that the knobbed endportion 2462 that provides a push-on fixed element attachment isreplaced by a cylindrical extension slidingly received within the spacer2412, illustrating one of the many segmental stiffness choices availableto a surgeon with assemblies according to the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 123-139 further alternative connecting membersaccording to the invention are shown that include one or more sleeveswith cooperating, spacers, bumpers and an inner tensioned cord, such as,for example, the connecting member, generally 3201, shown in FIG. 133.With particular reference to FIGS. 123-131, a bone screw 3001 isillustrated with a hard, inelastic, flanged sleeve, generally 3204through which a tensioned cord 3206 extends. The cord 3206 is not shownin FIG. 123131, but see, for example, FIG. 133, that also illustrates acooperating cord blocker or fixer 3210 with a cord fixing set screw3212, an elastic end bumper 3214, and elastic or inelastic spacers 3216that are each located about the cord 3206 and are disposed between eachpair of bone anchors 3001 of the overall assembly 3201. The assembly3201 is assembled in the same or similar manner as described above withrespect to the assemblies 1 and 2401, for example. The tubular bumper3214 and tubular spacers 3216 shown in FIG. 133 are transparent,allowing for viewing of the sleeves, generally 3204, and the tensionedcord 3206 in FIG. 133. However, it is foreseen that in otherembodiments, the spacers 3216 may be made of materials that may not betransparent or translucent. Also as shown in FIG. 133, at least twotypes of bone screw closures are utilized, either a slide or slippingclosure top 3018 or 3018′ or a cord gripping closure top 3018″. The tops3018 and 3018′ are substantially identical to the closure top 210previously described herein, with the top 3018′ further including apoint and rim. The closure top 3018″ is similar to the tops 3018 and3018′, but rather than a point and rim, the top 3018′ includes a cordpenetrating extension 3171. The slide or slip closure tops 3018 and3018′ engage a respective sleeve 3204 but not the cord 3206, allowingthe cord to slip or slide within the polyaxial screw 3001. The gripclosure top 3018″ extends through the sleeve and grips and fixes thecord 3206 with respect to the sleeve and thus fixes the cord in relationto the polyaxial screw 3001. The illustrated extension 3171 penetratesthe cord 3206 and extends into a lower aperture of the respectivesleeve. Also, tubular extensions of some of the sleeves 3204 extend intoand through some of the spacers 3216. Such spacer overlap with respectto the sleeves provides advantageous anti-shear support for theconnecting member 3201. A portion of the cord blocker 3210 also extendsinto a bore of the bumper 3214. The bumper 3214 also extends about thecord 3206 and is typically made from an elastomer while the outerspacers 3216, although typically elastomeric, may be made from amaterial with a different durometer, typically (but not always) beingtougher and less compressible than the material of the bumper 3214. Thesleeves 3204 and the spacers 3216 are typically made from a hard,non-elastic material, such as a metal or metal alloy, like cobaltchromium. Flanged portions of the sleeves 3204 are located on eitherside of the bone screw receivers 3010, the flanges abutting against thespacers 3216 or the bumper 3214, the flanges extending radiallyoutwardly to an extent to fully engage ends of adjacent spacers or thebumper, resulting in a stable, secure, substantially full contactbetween the individual elements of the assembly 3201. Furthermore, theflanges allow for assembly and dynamic setting of the connector 3201prior to implantation, if desired, with the cord 3206 being placed intension and at least the bumper 3214 being placed in compression. Insome embodiments of the invention, tensioning of the cord 3216 andcompression of the bumper 3214 and optionally the spacers 3216 may beperformed after the assembly 3201 is attached to the bone screws 3001.

With particular reference to FIGS. 123-129, a bone screw assembly 3001is illustrated with a particular sleeve 3204D. With reference to FIG.129, the bone screw 3001 generally includes a shank 3004, a receiver3010, an open retainer 3012 for capturing a shank upper portion 3008 inthe receiver 3010, an insert 3014 having a planar top surface, a springring 3016 for holding the insert 3014 during some of the steps ofassembly of the bone screw, and shown with the closure top 3018′.Although a particular bone screw is shown, the sleeves 3204 may beutilized with a variety of bone screws, particularly those with insertssuch as the insert 3014 having a low profile with either a planar topsurface (or a slightly recessed surface), providing adequate spacewithin the receiver for receiving both the insert 3014 at a lowerportion thereof and one sleeve 3204 at an upper portion thereof,allowing for a larger or more substantial sleeve than, for example, bonescrews having an insert with a U-shaped recess and arm portions thatextend upwardly on either side of the sleeve wherein the insert armsand/or the sleeve would both be required to be relatively narrow or thinto both fit between the receiver arms.

Sleeves 3204 of the invention are provided with or without tubularextensions, on one or both sides thereof, and with different lengths oftubular extensions, as best shown in FIG. 132. Thus, each differentsleeve 3204 configuration has been further identified with a letter toindicate the type of extension, with FIG. 132 illustrating sleeves 3204Athrough 3204L. FIG. 132 also illustrates a sleeve 3204M that is arod/cord coupler and is further illustrated in FIGS. 134-136 and will bedescribed in greater detail below.

The sleeves 3204A-33204F are identical with the exception of thepresence or length of one or more tubular extension. Therefore, thesleeve 3204D will be the only sleeve of this group discussed in detailherein with particular reference to FIGS. 123-129.

The sleeve 3204D further includes a body portion 3234 generally sizedand shaped for being received within the polyaxial bone screw 3001receiver 3010 and a pair of opposed tubular extensions 3235 sized andshaped to be slidingly received within the spacer 3216 and over the cord3206. The illustrated body portion 3234 and tubular extensions 3235 areintegral or otherwise fixed to one another. A through bore 3236 extendscentrally through the body portion 3234 and centrally through thetubular extensions 3235. The bore 3236 is sized and shaped to slidinglyreceive the cord 3206. The body portion 3234 further includes a pair ofspaced radially extending flanges 3237 and 3238 with a partiallycylindrical and partially planar body portion being locatedtherebetween, the body portion having a slightly enlarged or protrudingportion or portions illustrated as opposed partially cylindrical andpartially planar extensions 3239, sized and shaped to closely fit withinthe cylindrical inner arm surfaces of the bone screw receiver 3010. Theportions 3239 function to center the sleeve within the bone screwreceiver 3010 and also advantageously strengthen the sleeve, resultingin better load transfer. It is foreseen that in some embodiments of theinvention, the body 3234 with centering structure 3239 may be configuredto also extend down into the receiver and abut the bone screw shankupper portion 3008 and thus eliminate the compression insert 3014.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the flanges 3237 and 3238 may bereduced or eliminated as the centering of the sleeve with respect to thebone screw receiver 3010 may be performed by the portion or portions3239.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 3237 and 3238 aresubstantially cylindrical having opposed planar and annular sidesurfaces spaced for closely receiving the bone screw 3001 receiver 3010.The illustrated flanges 3237 and 3238 include a lower cut-out, allowingfor a close fit between inner flange surfaces 3240 and the planarreceiver base surfaces 3069. The body portion 3239 may be sized andshaped to be receivable within and frictionally fixed to a variety ofmonoaxial or polyaxial screw heads or receivers, including the receiver3010. A bore 3241 is formed in the body 3234 between the flanges 3237and 3238, the bore 3241 transverse to and communicating with the throughbore 3236. The bore 3241 is sized and shaped to receive the closure top3018″ therein for frictionally gripping the cord 3206, the extension3171 penetrating the cord 3206 and extending near or into an aperture3241B located in the sleeve opposite the opening of the bore 3241 andthus placing the cord 3206 in fixed relation with the bone screwreceiver 3010, if desired.

The sleeves generally 3204, as well as the cord blocker 3210 with setscrew 3212 may be made from a variety of inelastic materials, including,but not limited to metals, metal alloys, including cobalt chromium, andinelastic plastics including, but not limited to plastic polymers suchas polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ultra-high-molecular weight-polyethylene(UHMWP), polyurethanes and composites, including composites containingcarbon fiber and layers of different materials.

With reference to FIGS. 130-132, lordotic sleeves 3204G-3204L are alsoshown. The sleeves 3204G-3204L are identical to the sleeves 3204A-3204F,respectively, with the exception that flanges 3237′ and 3238′ areprovided that slope at an angle, inwardly towards the bone screwreceiver 3010 as best shown in FIG. 131 (that illustrates the use of thesleeve 3204J) and also in the assembly 3201 shown in FIG. 133 thatillustrates the use of a plurality of lordotic sleeves.

With reference to FIG. 132 and FIGS. 134-136, the sleeve and rod/cordcoupler 3204M includes a sleeve body portion 3234′, one tubularextension 3235′, a single flange 3238″ and a partial through bore 3236′substantially similar to the respective sleeve body 3234, tubularextensions 3235, flanges 3238 and through bore 3236 of the other sleeves3204A-3204F. At an end opposed to the tubular extension 3235′, the bodyportion 3234′ is integral with an elongate solid rod portion 3250. Also,formed in the body portion 3234′ is an aperture or through bore 3251transverse to and communicating with the bore 3236′, the through bore3251 sized and shaped to closely receive a cord holding pin 3252. Thepin 3252, if used, extends completely through the cord 3206,independently fixing the cord 3206 to the sleeve 3204M. Alternatively,in some embodiments of the invention, the pin 3252 is not used and aclosure top 3018″ may be inserted within a bore 3241′ of thesleeve/coupler 3204M to fix the cord 3206 to the sleeve 3204M. In theillustrated embodiment, the bores 3241′ and 3251 are substantiallyparallel to one another. The rod portion 3250 may be provided in avariety of lengths (or cut to length) to cooperate with one or more bonescrews to provide a rigid support end to a dynamic assembly, such as theassembly 3201 shown in FIG. 133.

With reference to FIGS. 137-139, a set of alternative sleeves, generally3304, are shown that are substantially similar to the sleeves 3204previously described herein, with the exception of surface features 3345that allows for a press or friction fit with the receiver 3010.Therefore, the sleeves 3304 each include a sleeve body 3334, two, one orno tubular extensions 3335, a through bore 3336, a pair of flanges 3337and 3338, a partially cylindrical body portion 3339, inner flangesurfaces 3340 and a vertical bore 3341 that are the same or similar tothe respective sleeve body 3234, tubular extensions 3235, through bore3236, pair of flanges 3237 and 3238, partially cylindrical body portion3239, inner flange surfaces 3240 and vertical bore 3241 of the sleeves,generally 3204 previously described herein. The pair of opposed pressfit surface features 3345 are located on either side of the cylindricalportion 3339 and in operation are disposed between the receiver arms ator near a run-out of the guide and advancement structure for the closuretop and a discontinuous cylindrical surface 3086. As the sleeve 3304 ispressed downwardly toward the receiver base, the surfaces 3345 engagethe surface 3086, providing a snug, but adjustable fit between thesleeve 3304 and the receiver arms.

With reference to FIGS. 140-154 a polyaxial bone screw 4001 that doesnot include a pressure insert is shown being used in a connecting member4201 that includes another embodiment of a sleeve, generally 4204,according the invention. The connecting member 4201 includes one or moresleeves, generally 4204 with cooperating, spacers, bumpers and an innertensioned cord, such as, for example, shown in FIG. 154. The illustratedbone screw 4001 generally includes a shank 4004, an open retainer 4012,a receiver 4010 and is shown in FIG. 140 with a slip or slide closuretop 4018 and a gripping closure top 4018′ as well as one of the sleeves4204. The sleeves 4204 are hard, inelastic and flanged, through which atensioned cord 4206 extends as shown in FIG. 154. FIG. 154 alsoillustrates a cooperating cord blocker or fixer 4210 with a cord fixingset screw 4212, an elastic end bumper 4214, and elastic or inelasticspacers 4216 that are each located about the cord 4206 and are disposedbetween each pair of bone anchors 4001 of the overall assembly 4201. Thetubular bumper 4214 and tubular spacers 4216 shown in FIG. 154 aretransparent, allowing for viewing of the sleeves, generally 4204, andthe tensioned cord 4206 in FIG. 154. However, it is foreseen that inother embodiments, the spacers 4216 may be made of materials that maynot be transparent or translucent. Also as shown in FIG. 154, two typesof bone screw closures are utilized, either the slide or slippingclosure top 4018 previously described herein (e.g., closure 2432 of theassembly 2401 or closure 3018′ of the assembly 3201) or a cord grippingclosure top 4018′ similar to the top 2431 of the assembly 2401. Theslide or slip closure top 4018 engages a respective sleeve 4204 but notthe cord 4206, allowing the cord to slip or slide within the polyaxialscrew 4001. The grip closure top 4018′ extends through the sleeve andgrips and fixes the cord 40206 against a surface of the sleeve and thusfixes the cord in relation to the polyaxial screw 4001. Tubularextensions of some of the sleeves 4204 may extend into and through someof the spacers 4216. Such spacer overlap with respect to the sleevesprovides advantageous anti-shear support for the connecting member 4201.A portion of the cord blocker 4210 also extends into a bore of thebumper 4214. The bumper 4214 also extends about the cord 4206 and istypically made from an elastomer while the outer spacers 4216, althoughtypically elastomeric, may be made from a material with a differentdurometer, typically (but not always) being tougher and lesscompressible than the material of the bumper 4214. The sleeves 4204 andthe spacers 4216 are typically made from a hard, non-elastic material,such as a metal or metal alloy, like cobalt chromium. Flanged portionsof the sleeves 4204 are located on either side of the bone screwreceivers 4010, the flanges abutting against the spacers 4216 or thebumper 4214, the flanges extending radially outwardly to an extent tofully engage ends of adjacent spacers or the bumper, resulting in astable, secure, substantially full contact between the individualelements of the assembly 4201. Furthermore, the flanges allow forassembly and dynamic setting of the connector 4201 prior toimplantation, if desired, with the cord 4206 being placed in tension andat least the bumper 4214 being placed in compression. In someembodiments of the invention, tensioning of the cord 4216 andcompression of the bumper 4214 and optionally the spacers 4216 may beperformed after the assembly 4201 is attached to the bone screws 4001.

With particular reference to FIG. 141, three different types of sleeves4204, shown without tubular extensions, are illustrated. They are aparallel flanged sleeve 4204A, an angled or lordotic sleeve 4204B and atransition sleeve 4204C that includes a rod/cord coupler. As statedabove, sleeves 4204 of the invention may be provided with or withouttubular extensions, on one or both sides thereof, and with differentlengths of tubular extensions, as best shown in FIG. 154. The sleeves4204A shown in FIG. 154 may include an extension 4800 on one sidethereof, pairs of substantially identical extensions 4810 or 4820, orfor example, opposing extensions 4830 and 4831 of different lengths, toname a few. The illustrated sleeve with rod/cord coupler 4204C alsoincludes a tubular extension 4840.

With particular reference to FIGS. 142-147, the bone screw assembly 4001is illustrated with the sleeve 4204A. The sleeve 4204A further includesa body portion 4234 generally sized and shaped for being received withinthe polyaxial bone screw 4001 receiver 4010 and about the cord 4206. Athrough bore 4236 extends centrally through the body portion 4234, thebore 4236 being sized and shaped to slidingly receive the cord 4206. Thebody portion 4234 further includes a pair of spaced radially extendingflanges 4237 and 4238 with a partially cylindrical and partially planarbody portion being located therebetween, the body portion having aslightly enlarged or protruding portion or portions illustrated asopposed faceted or partially cylindrical and partially planar extensions4239, sized and shaped to closely fit within the cylindrical inner armsurfaces of the bone screw receiver 4010. The portions 4239 function tocenter the sleeve within the bone screw receiver 4010 and alsoadvantageously strengthen the sleeve, resulting in better load transfer.The body 4234 with centering structure 4239 further includes a bottomsurface 4240 having a roughened or as illustrated, textured surface withridges or points 4241 configured to abut against, engage and penetratethe domed surface 4040 of the shank upper portion 4008 as best shown inFIG. 146. The surface portion 4241 may also be cupped or radiusedwithout spikes or ridges.

It is foreseen that in some embodiments, the flanges 4237 and 4238 maybe reduced or eliminated as the centering of the sleeve with respect tothe bone screw receiver 4010 may be performed by the portion or portions4239. In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 4237 and 4238 aresubstantially cylindrical having opposed planar and annular sidesurfaces 4242 spaced for closely receiving the bone screw 4001 receiver4010. The illustrated flanges 4237 and 4238 include a lower cut-out,allowing for a close fit between inner flange surfaces 4242 and thereceiver base surfaces. The body portion 4239 may be sized and shaped tobe receivable within and frictionally fixed to a variety of monoaxial orpolyaxial screw heads or receivers, including the receiver 4010. Thebody portion 4239 may also be configured to provide a lock and releasefeature as previously discussed herein with respect to the sleeves 3304shown in FIG. 137, for example. A bore 4243 is formed in the body 4234between the flanges 4237 and 4238, the bore 4243 transverse to andcommunicating with the through bore 4236. The bore 4243 is sized andshaped to receive the closure top 4018 or 4018′ therein. As illustratedin FIG. 147, the closure top 4018′ is inserted in the sleeve 4204A withthe extension 4169′ extending into the sleeve 4204A for frictionallygripping a cord 4206 (not shown) against an internal surface definingthe through bore 4236, and thus placing such cord 4206 in fixed relationwith the bone screw receiver 4010, if desired.

The sleeves, generally 4204, as well as the cord blocker 4210 with setscrew 4212 may be made from a variety of inelastic materials, including,but not limited to metals, metal alloys, including cobalt chromium, andinelastic plastics including, but not limited to plastic polymers suchas polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ultra-high-molecular weight-polyethylene(UHMWP), polyurethanes and composites, including composites containingcarbon fiber and layers of different materials.

With reference to FIGS. 141 and 148-150, the lordotic sleeve 4204B isillustrated. The sleeve 4204B is identical to the sleeve 4204A with theexception that flanges 4237′ and 4238′ are provided that slope at anangle, inwardly towards the bone screw receiver 4010 as best shown inFIG. 148.

With reference to FIG. 141 and FIGS. 151-153, the sleeve and rod/cordcoupler 4204C includes a sleeve body portion 4234″, a single flange4238″ and a partial through bore 4236″ substantially similar to therespective sleeve body 4234, flange 4238 and through bore 4236 of thesleeve 4204A. At an end opposed to the flange 4238″, the body portion4234″ is integral with an elongate solid rod portion 4250. Also, formedin the body portion 4234″ is an aperture or through bore 4251 transverseto and communicating with the bore 4236″, the through bore 4251 sizedand shaped to closely receive a cord holding pin 4252. The pin 4252, ifused, extends completely through the cord 4206, independently fixing thecord 4206 to the sleeve 4204C. Alternatively, in some embodiments of theinvention, the pin 4252 is not used and a closure top 4018′ may beinserted within a bore 4243″ of the sleeve/coupler 4204C to fix the cord4206 to the sleeve 4204C. In the illustrated embodiment, the bores 4243″and 4251 are substantially parallel to one another. The rod portion 4250may be provided in a variety of lengths (or cut to length) to cooperatewith one or more bone screws to provide a rigid support end to a dynamicassembly, such as the assembly 4201 shown in FIG. 154.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present inventionhave been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited tothe specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical implant assembly having at least firstand second bone anchors cooperating with a longitudinal connectingmember having a tensioned cord, the bone anchors having opposedupstanding arms, the medical implant assembly comprising: a) a firstnon-elastic sleeve for attachment to the first bone anchor, the firstsleeve having a first through bore sized and shaped for slidablyreceiving the tensioned cord, a first aperture formed in the sleevesubstantially transverse to the through bore, the aperture sized andshaped for receiving a portion of a first optional cord gripping closuretop and a first body portion sized and shaped for being closely receivedbetween the bone anchor arms; b) a second non-elastic sleeve forattachment to the second bone anchor, the second sleeve having a secondthrough bore sized and shaped for slidably receiving the tensioned cord,a second aperture formed in the sleeve substantially transverse to thesecond through bore, the second aperture sized and shaped for receivinga portion of a second optional cord gripping closure top and a secondbody portion sized and shaped for being closely received between thesecond bone anchor arms; c) a spacer located between the first andsecond bone anchors, the spacer engaging each of the first and secondsleeves, the cord extending through the spacer and held in tension atleast first and second ends of the connecting member; and d) wherein atleast one of the first and second sleeves includes an outer flangeabutting against an outer surface of the spacer.
 2. The medical implantassembly of claim 1 wherein the outer flange is a first outer flange andfurther comprising a second outer flange disposed at an obtuse anglewith respect to the first outer flange, each flange being disposedoutside of the bone anchor.
 3. The medical implant assembly of claim 2further comprising at least one tubular structure extending outwardlyfrom at least one of the flanges.
 4. The medical implant assembly ofclaim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second sleeves has a firstU-shaped lower surface sized and shaped to frictionally engage a secondU-shaped surface of a pressure insert located within the bone anchor. 5.A medical implant assembly having first and second bone anchorscooperating with a longitudinal connecting member having a tensionedcord, the medical implant assembly comprising: a) a non-elastic sleevefor attachment to the first bone anchor, the sleeve having a bodyportion sized and shaped for being closely received between opposed armsof the first bone anchor; b) a spacer located between the first andsecond bone anchors, the cord extending through the spacer and held intension at at least first and second ends of the connecting member; andc) a blocker, the first bone anchor being located between the blockerand the spacer, the blocker located near the sleeve, the blocker beingfixed to the tensioned cord.
 6. The medical implant assembly of claim 5wherein the blocker is adjacent the first bone anchor.
 7. The medicalimplant assembly of claim 5 wherein the blocker engages the sleeve. 8.The medical implant assembly of claim 5 further comprising a bumperlocated between the blocker and the first bone anchor.
 9. The medicalimplant assembly of claim 5 wherein the second bone anchor is amonoaxial bone screw fixed to the cord.
 10. The medical implant assemblyof claim 5 wherein the at least one sleeve is a first sleeve and furthercomprising a second sleeve, the second sleeve for attachment to thesecond bone anchor.